In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, Governor Aliyu said his administration will not spare anybody found guilty of insulting Prophet Muhammad.
The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has said that his government will not tolerate any abusive action or blasphemous statement against Prophet Muhammad.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, Governor Aliyu said his administration will not spare anybody found guilty of insulting Prophet Muhammad.
SaharaReporters on Sunday reported that Usman Buda was killed in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad.
The police confirmed that he was rescued unconscious and taken to hospital where he later died.
It was learned that the butcher allegedly made the comment during an argument at the Sokoto main abattoir on Sunday morning.
According to Daily Trust, some of Buda’s closest business partners in the market who made attempts to rescue him were also injured by the extremists and were receiving medical treatment.
Commenting on the incident, the governor urged residents of the state not to take the law into their own hands, particularly while dealing with blasphemy cases.
The statement read, “Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times. The governor cautioned the people against any act capable of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is a predominantly Muslim-dominated community.
“Dr Aliyu said that Sokoto people have so much respect and regard for Prophet Muhammad SAW, hence the need for all the residents to respect, protect his dignity and personality.
“I want to call on the people of Sokoto State to avoid taking laws into their own hands and instead report any alleged crime or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.
“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion,” he appealed.
The statement continued: “He added that the present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with anyone found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in line with the provision of Islamic laws.
“The governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.
“The governor also warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is a wrong place for them.”