The capital of Katsina State is experiencing heightened tension following an offensive social media post that led to the destruction of the perpetrator’s house and car. The post, allegedly written by a Christian indigene of the state named Mani Abubakar, ignited anger among some residents, prompting a mob to take destructive actions on Tuesday night. Abubakar managed to escape, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
The Facebook post, written in Hausa, is reported to have contained derogatory comments about Islam, fueling the strong reaction from the enraged mob. The incident has raised concerns about religious tensions in the area.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is actively working with authorities to address the situation and plans to meet with the Emir of Katsina to ensure Abubakar’s safety upon his reappearance. Christian leaders in the state are calling for calm and understanding amidst the escalating tension.
Venerable Muyiwa Segun, Vice Chairman of CAN in Katsina, condemned any acts of violence or disrespect towards other religions. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect, stating, “Everyone should respect the other’s religion. Christians don’t have any business abusing other people’s religion. That is not how to do evangelism.”
While the exact content of the Facebook post remains unclear, initial reports suggest it questioned the origin of the Quran and criticized some aspects of Islam. The incident underscores the need for peaceful coexistence and dialogue between religious communities to maintain harmony in the region. Authorities and religious leaders are working together to ensure peace and safety in the community, urging restraint and tolerance among residents.
