Tension in Katsina as youths raze man’s house for criticising Islam on Facebook

Katsina State capital is currently gripped by tension after a Facebook post, attributed to a Christian resident named Mani Abubakar, sparked outrage among some residents.

Abubakar’s house and car in Babaruga were reportedly destroyed by an angry mob late Tuesday night, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

The post, written in Hausa, is said to contain derogatory comments about Islam, triggering the violent reaction from the mob.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is collaborating with 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 amidst the escalating tensions. Venerable Muyiwa Segun, Vice Chairman of CAN in Katsina, condemned any acts of violence or disrespect towards other religions, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect. “Everyone should respect the other’s religion,” Segun stated.

He addedd that “Christians don’t have any business abusing other people’s religion. That is not how to do evangelism.”

Segun also confirmed CAN’s cooperation with security officials and religious leaders to maintain peace and ensure the safety of the community. While the exact content of the Facebook post remains unclear, reports suggest it questioned the origin of the Quran and criticized some aspects of Islam.