Tension and Violence Erupt in Katsina State Capital Over Offensive Social Media Post Targeting Islam

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The capital of Katsina State in Nigeria is currently gripped by tension following an offensive social media post that has sparked outrage among some residents. The Facebook post, written in the local Hausa language by a Christian indigene named Mani Abubakar, allegedly contained derogatory comments about Islam.

Reportedly, the deleted post claimed that Islam had no foundation and questioned the origins of the Quran, which led to an immediate backlash from the Muslim community. These remarks were deemed highly offensive by some residents, particularly from the Muslim community. The content of the post spread quickly, leading to widespread outrage and anger among those who found it disrespectful to their religion. The offensive nature of the post played a significant role in inciting the subsequent tensions and violent reaction in the capital of Katsina State.

On the night of Tuesday, January 30, a mob attempted to locate and harm Abubakar, but he managed to escape. However, his house and car were set on fire in the Babaruga area. Presently, Abubakar’s current whereabouts remain unknown.

In response to the situation, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is collaborating with the authorities and plans to meet with the Emir of Katsina to ensure Abubakar’s safety when he reappears.

Christian leaders in the state are calling for calm and understanding, urging their followers to respect other religions. Venerable Muyiwa Segun, the Vice Chairman of CAN in Katsina, condemned any act of violence or disrespect towards other religions. He emphasized that Christians should not abuse other people’s religions and that such behavior is not an appropriate way to conduct evangelism.

Segun further confirmed that CAN is actively working with security officials and religious leaders to promote peace and ensure the safety of the community during this tense period.

The situation in Katsina State remains delicate, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation of violence.