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Blasphemy: This is religious war – Outcry over extremism, lynching of innocent citizens
Nigerians have continued to express anger over the continuous religious extremism by some Muslim faithful who revel in setting innocent citizens of the country ablaze over alleged blasphemous comments against Islam.
Recall that on May 12, Muslim youths set a female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Deborah Samuel ablaze for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad.
The incident triggered an outburst from concerned Nigerians who demanded the immediate arrest of the murderers.
While some Muslim clergy condemned the incident, others defended the murderers, saying Islam has a line that cannot be crossed.
Barely one week after Deborah’s death, another Christian lady escaped being killed in Katanga, Warji Local Government Area of Bauchi State over alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Muslim youths were said to have mounted a search for the lady immediately after the Jummaat prayers but she was whisked away to safety after news of the impending danger.
On Saturday, June 4, pandemonium broke out at the popular Timber shed market, Federal Housing Estate, Lugbe Abuja when a mob lynched a member of a vigilante group over alleged blasphemy.
The victim, Ahmad Usman according to the FCT police command, was beaten and burnt alive by the Muslim youths after an argument with an unidentified Imam.
Aggrieved Nigerians who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja on Saturday, demanded an end to the ugly trend, stressing that further attempts may cause religious war in the country.
A public affairs analyst in the nation’s capital, John Adoche called on the National Assembly to quickly enact a law that would stop the Muslim boys from jungle justice.
He said, “the National Assembly needs to come up with a law that will stop these guys with immediate effect. Lynching an innocent citizen for alleged blasphemy or whatever should attract the death penalty”.
“Once two of the suspects are executed, others will learn and this ugly act will stop. Even the Imams that are encouraging these attacks should also be prosecuted”.
A businessman in Abuja, Mr Nwachukwu who witnessed the killing of Usman in Lugbe, expressed anger over how the “murderers are being pampered”, and called for the arrest of the Imam.
He said, “Since this thing happened a few hours ago, nobody has been arrested. Is it that some people are above the law in this country? How can you kill an innocent man and still be walking free in the street?
“The Imam that mobilized these boys to kill the man has not been arrested. Why? Is it that the police don’t know him or he ran away? This is why this kind of incident may not stop, this is a religious war and should be taken seriously before it escalates”.
Another respondent, Pastor David Ayoba alleged that the agenda is to silence Christians in the country.
He said, “The agenda is clear. They just want to silence Christians and that is just what it is, otherwise, how can you fight for God?
“The god is no longer the one defending the people, the people are not the ones defending their god. This is terrible”.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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