The name of a man killed by a Muslim mob in Abuja on Saturday for suspected blasphemy has been revealed by the Nigeria Police Force's Federal Capital Territory Command.
The victim was identified as Ahmad Usman, a 30-year-old male, by the police, who also stated that an investigation had been launched into the issue.
Josephine Adeh, the Command's Public Relations Officer, confirmed this.
"Normalcy has been restored to the region in regards to the situation," she stated, "although monitoring and surveillance of the area continues."
"However, residents are asked to go about their legitimate responsibilities without fear or apprehension from any quarters as a discrete investigation proceeds to unearth facts surrounding the heinous incident and effect the arrest of those responsible."
"We hear that a 30 year old member of the local vigilante surrounding Tipper garage at Federal Housing Estate in Lugbe Neighborhood of the Federal Capital Territory got into an altercation with a Cleric (Mallam) whose name is yet unknown from the same area."
"The heated dispute devolved into a rash of violence, culminating in the assassination and burning of Ahmad Usman by an irate crowd of roughly 200 clergy members."
The police also reported that their officers intervened and were able to prevent the violence from spiralling out of control.
"Upon receiving this information, a quick intervention team comprised of the Command's Surveillance and Ambush team attached to the Lugbe Divisional Police Headquarters was dispatched to the scene, where the enflamed victim was rescued suffering from severe burns and taken to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor on call."
"In addition, Babaji Sunday, the Commissioner of Police, decried the widespread use of jungle justice. We are categorically opposed to jungle justice. The law is against it, and those who participate in this heinous act will face severe penalties.
Source: Sahara reporters