Was President Buhari Speaking Against The Killing Of An Igbo Trader Woman Or Was He Justifying It ?

This screen grab gotten from a leading Nigerian television station, Channels TV shows a quote reportedly made by President Buhari on the killing of an Igbo woman trader. But what's more confusing is that, was he speaking against the woman's killing or was he trying to justify it by warning people to 'learn to respect each other's faith, so that we can live together in peace'?

As shown in the sceengrab, the Nigerian President is read stating thus:

Let us learn to respect each others faith, so that we can know each other and live together in peace"

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Christains and non-hausa residents of Kano State of Nigeria were thrown in mourning and confusion when news of the horrific killing of a 74-year-old female Ibo trader in Kano state was spread. In one account, it was alleged that the deceased was allegedly beheaded by some angry Muslims at Kofar Wambai Market, Kano over an allegation of making blasphemous statement against the Prophet Mohammed.

However, another account by an eye revealed that the woman who prior to her untimely death sold plastics at the local market was about closing her shop at about 4.30pm Thursday to proceed for her evening christian fellowship when a disagreement broke up between her and one Dauda. Speaking to some newsmen in Kano, the eye witness Pastor Ken, stated that the problem started when "Dauda who is a Muslim came in front of her shop to wash his hands and feet in preparation of is own prayers", but the victim, Mrs Bridget, told him to leave which irked Dauda.

According to the eye witness' narratives, "instead of leaving her shop, [Dauda] started raining abuses on her" and threatened to "deal with her in the market".

It was not long before Mr. Dauda mobilized some youths in area who pounced on the victim, accusing her of blasphemy and killing her in front husband despite pleas from the husband and some persons nearby.

Although the initial speculation was that the victim was beheaded, however, frantic efforts have been made by the law enforcement agents and the government to counter the speculations. However, they confirmed the incident. According to the statement released by the Nigerian Police, Kano Command spokesperson, DSP Magaji Majiya Musa,

”At about 4: 30 pm, there was a disagreement between the murdered woman and some traders bordering on religion.

“The woman was said to have blasphemed Prophet Mohammed, which did not go down well with the people and they decided to take the law into their hands,” he said.

 Meanwhile, so many organizations in Nigeria have condenmed the killing of 74-year old Bridget Agbahwe, a native of Imo State of Nigeria.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo organization has condemned the killing without reservation. Also, an organization, Women Arise for Change Initiative, has called for justice. The President of the group and renowned Nigerian civil rights activist, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, made the statement on behalf of the group thus:

“The Women Arise for Change Initiative condemns in its totality the gruesome murder and beheading of Mrs. Bridget Patience by some youths alleged to be Muslim worshipers in a Kano market on Thursday.

“We received this news of this barbaric act with utmost shock and disbelief. We are particularly saddened that an innocent woman could be so murdered in broad daylight over such a flimsy allegation of blasphemy which was even unproven, while she was murdered in cold blood.”

 Also, Saturday, the Senior Media Adviser to the President of Nigeria released a statement on behalf of the Presidency condemning the incident.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has described as sad and regrettable the developments that led to the killing of Mrs Bridget Agbahime, an Igbo market woman in Kano. President Buhari condoles with the husband of the deceased, Pastor Mike Agbahime, the family and relations, praying that God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

“He also commended the law enforcement agents for apprehending the prime suspect behind the killing, as well as the Kano State government, which summoned a meeting of Christian and Islamic leaders, widower of the deceased, and security agencies, as soon as the sad event occurred on Friday.

 “President Buhari says justice would be done in the matter, and urges the people not to take the law into their hands. He equally charges those who may want to use the development to fan the embers of religious or ethnic hatred to remember that two wrongs never make a right, and that when law and order breaks down, those who become victims are never distinguished on the basis of religion or ethnicity.

“The incident at Kofar Wambai market, Kano city, is utterly condemnable, and the state government has been quite proactive. Let us ensure that we keep the peace, as justice will be done. Let us learn to respect each other’s faith, so that we can know each other and live together in peace.”

No justification can ever be given for the killing of humans in the name of religion. Islam should learn to be tolerant. You can't fight for God, He's big enough to fight for himself......and everyone else!