'Arsonists' set house ablaze over alleged blasphemy in Katsina

Arsonists have set a residential building ablaze in Katsina State over alleged blasphemy against Islamic faith via a Facebook post.

Multiple reports said the incident occurred in Sabon Garin Alhaji Yahuza village of Batagarawa Local government Area of the State.

Abubakar Mani, also known as Sadi, according reports, escaped being lynched by irate youths who invaded the residence and burnt down his vehicle in his compound.

Spokesman for the Nigeria Police in Katsina, Sadiq Abubakar Aliyu who confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, said security agents have stepped up surveillance in the area to forestall breakdown of law and order.

Aliyu said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, has held a Stakeholders meeting to discuss and resolve the crisis.

The meeting was attended by Katsina Commissioner for Religious Affairs, traditional and religious leaders, according to Aliyu who assured that the culprits will be made to account.

Part of the statement recalled that: “On January 30, 2024, about 2015 hrs, a distress call was received at the Batagarawa Divisional Police Headquarters on an ongoing protest at Sabon Garin Alhaji Yahuza Village, Batagarawa LGA, over an alleged ‘blasphemy’ by one Mani Habu Abubakar, alias Sadi, of the same address, via a Facebook post”.

The statement said, “The irate crowd set ablaze his residence and motor vehicle as he and his family escaped unhurt.

“Upon receipt of the report, swiftly, officers were mobilised and drafted to the scene, where they successfully doused the tension, diminishing the risk of further damage.

“The Command urged anyone with information related to the incident to kindly come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation”, according to the statement.