Usman Buds, a butcher working at the Sokoto Abattoir, was murdered yesterday for blasphemy.

After allegedly uttering derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad and refusing to repent when urged to do so by colleagues, the victim from Rugar Fulani in Gulmare Village of Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi State was murdered by his fellow butchers.

Usman Buda, in the words of an eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity, said he agreed with the claim made by Sheikh Abdul Azeez of Bauchi State that he never asked for assistance from a human being, including the revered prophet of Islam, instead turning solely to Almighty Allah.

He claimed that when Usman was asked to renounce and repent over his statement, he replied that he stood by it and that he supported the Sheikh's claims wholeheartedly. This incited the Muslim Immah around him to stone Usman to death.

At the time of his passing, Usman Buda and his family were residents of the Gidan Igwe neighborhood in Sokoto city.

Ahmad Rufa'i, the state police command's spokesman, confirmed the occurrence in a statement issued in Sokoto and said the command has started a manhunt for the alleged killers.

The victim was left unconscious by the mob, the statement continued, but police officers managed to rescue him and carry him to Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital.

Later, the hospital reported that the victim had passed away.

Rufa’i, said: “A distress call was received at about 09:20 a.m. that one Usman Buda of Gwandu Local Government Area, a butcher at Sokoto Abattoir, allegedly blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a result he was mobbed and attacked.

“Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Metro, and DPO Kwanni led a team of policemen and all other operational commanders to the scene.

“On arrival, the mob escaped the scene and left the victim unconscious. He was later rescued and taken to Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital Sokoto for treatment and was confirmed dead by doctors on duty.

“Meanwhile, Investigation is on to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book.”