Angry Muslims youths in Kano on Thursday evening slaughtered an elderly Christian woman on an alleged charge of “blasphemy” against the Prophet Mohammed at Kano textile market. The woman, whose name was given as Bridget was murdered by the mob at the Kofar Wambai Market as traders were about to close for the day in the evening.
An eyewitness told journalists that some Muslim youths, armed with dangerous weapons attacked the woman and beheaded her.
The account explained that the incident triggered pandemonium as shop owners hurriedly lock up.
The rioters claimed the woman was involved in a religious argument with another person earlier in the day. The other person has not been identified.
Police public relations officer in Kano, Mr. Musa Magaji Majia, confirmed the murder. He also says that some of the persons involved in the killing have been arrested while a manhunt has been launched “for those who escaped”.
The remains of the woman have been deposited in the mortuary.
According to reports, she was not registered with the market association hence it is difficult to identify her.
This week, a religious riot broke out in Niger State after a Christian trader, 24-year-old Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel, allegedly made a Facebook post insulting Prophet Mohammed.
Four people were killed, a church burnt down, several shops burnt and looted in the rioting carried out by a Muslim mob in Pandogari, a town in Rafi local government area in Niger State.
Kano has gained notoriety over the years for its susceptibility to religious skirmishes and Thursday’s incident highlights just how it takes very little to bring the old demons back.
With online reports
