The Federal Capital Territory police command has confirmed the lynching of a member of vigilante group, Ahmad Usman, in Abuja, over alleged blasphemy against Islam.
BELLNEWS online earlier reported that the victim was beaten and burnt alive by the Muslim youths who alleged that he made a blasphemous comment against their religion.
Reacting to the incident, a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh revealed that the attack followed an argument with one Imam in the area.
According to her, the heated argument degenerated into an outbreak of violence that led to the murder and setting ablaze of Ahmad Usman by the enraged mob mobilized by the clergy numbering about 200.
“Upon the receipt of this information, a quick intervention team comprising The Surveillance and Ambush team of the Command attached to the Gwagwalada Divisional Police Headquarters was drafted to the scene where the inflamed victim was rescued suffering severe degrees of burn and taken immediately to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by a Doctor on call.
“Normalcy has since been restored to the situation, while monitoring and surveillance of the area continues.
“Residents are, therefore, urged to go about their lawful duties without fear or apprehension of any kind from any quarters as discrete investigation continues to unravel facts surrounding the ugly incident and to effect the arrest of the perpetrators therein.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Babaji Sunday psc while warning against the indiscriminate act of self-help in obtaining justice known as Jungle justice, stated that adequate sanctions will be meted on subscribers of this crude and dastardly act”.