The Bauchi State Police Command on Friday swiftly intervened to prevent a potentially violent clash between two Islamic sects, following the death of prominent Islamic cleric, Dr. Abdulaziz Idris Dutsen-Tanshi.
Newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sani-Omolori Aliyu, immediately called for calm and instructed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to launch a discreet investigation into the incident.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakili, tension flared up after inflammatory remarks were allegedly made by Ahmad Isa Jaja, Chief Imam of the Galli Mosque, during his Friday sermon on April 4, 2024, at around 2:45 p.m. The sermon coincided with the burial of the late Dr. Abdulaziz Idris Dutsen-Tanshi.
The remarks, delivered in the Jahun area of Bauchi Metropolis, were deemed offensive by the followers of the deceased cleric, prompting them to storm the mosque in protest.
In response, Commissioner Aliyu deployed a tactical team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Dutsen-Tanshi Division. The officers effectively de-escalated the situation, ensured the safety of both the Imam and congregants, and peacefully dispersed the agitated crowd.
The Imam was later taken into protective custody, and the SID was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Commissioner Aliyu emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in maintaining peace and urged them to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly. He cautioned against making inflammatory or derogatory statements from the pulpit and stressed the importance of promoting harmony, respect, and tolerance among all religious and sectarian groups.