By Faith Awa Maji, Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command on Thursday confirmed that a man, Mani Habu Abubakar, escaped death on Tuesday evening as irate mob set his house ablaze and vehicle over alleged blasphemous post on his social media handle, Facebook.
According to the Katsina State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, in a statement immediately after the Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa met with the religious, traditional leaders and government officials “on January 30, 2024, at about 20.15 hrs, a distress call was received at the Batagarawa Divisional Police Headquarters on an ongoing protest at Sabon Garin Alhaji Yahuza village, Batagarawa Local Government Area, over an alleged “blasphemy” by one Mani Habu Abubakar, alias Sadi, of the same address, via a Facebook post.
“The irate crowd set ablaze his residence and motor vehicle as he and his family escaped unhurt. “Upon receipt of the report, officers were mobilised and drafted to the scene where they successfully doused the tension, diminishing the risk of further damage.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, held a meeting with the state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, traditional leaders, religious leaders as well as all relevant stakeholders in the State.
“He implored them to call on their followers to embrace peace and be peace ambassadors at all levels while calling on the general public to continue to be law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“He assured that detectives are actively pursuing various leads to identify and apprehend the culprit(s) behind the dastardly act as he further reiterated that the Command remains committed to preserving peace, law and order while ensuring the safety of the citizens of Katsina State.
“He stated that additional resources to enhance security measures throughout the area have been deployed.
“Increased police presence, surveillance and coordinated community engagement initiatives have been implemented to prevent any potential breach of peace and to maintain a harmonious environment for all residents.
“The Command urges anyone with information related to the incident to kindly come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation”, he added.
