Residents of Plateau State, particularly those in Jos North and other Muslim-dominated communities, have raised concerns over a looming threat of violence after the Ramadan fast.
The warning surfaced in a Facebook post by one Sharfadeen Bature following a recent wave of attacks and killings in Barkin Ladi and Riyom, where several people, including both Christians and Muslims, lost their lives.
On his Facebook page, Bature allegedly wrote that after the Ramadan fast, Muslims would retaliate across the state over the killing of four Muslim traders at Dorowa-Babuje in Barkin Ladi during the violence.
Writing in Hausa, Bature had said “Bayan azumi, zamu shirya cin kutumar ubansu, koma ya koma yankinsa,” which literally translates to “After fasting, we will deal with them. Everyone should return to their region.”
The post has triggered varied reactions from residents, many of whom urged security agencies to track down and arrest Bature over the threat.
Read some of the comments below:
Edward Nanle: “These are the type of people who ignite crisis in this state and cause religious crisis. But the funny thing is that he will not be arrested and prosecuted.”
Funom Peter: “The security agencies should pick up this guy and get to the root of this because he may be speaking the minds of a larger group. They may be planning to attack Christians after the fasting and they do not make empty threats.”
Istifanus Bitrus: “And security operatives will pretend not to see this. This is a very serious threat and this man should be arrested immediately.”
Ibrahim Bako: “And this guy is still walking free? I am sure if it were a Christian who made this threat, he would have been picked up since.”
Ezekiel Gyang: “And I am sure this man is still walking free. I pray he is arrested so he can reveal more.”