Man stoned, burnt to death in Abuja for alleged blasphemy

A 30-year-old member of a local vigilante group, Ahmad Usman, was killed in Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja for allegedly insulting prophet Muhammed.

The incident, which occurred at the Lugbe timber market section of fruit market in Federal Housing Estate, created panic and confusion in the area.

The mob action took place around 1pm on Saturday after Usman sought refuge in the vigilante office in the market.

Findings revealed that the local security outfit was overpowered before Usman was killed in front of the office and set ablaze.

The mob, according to the police, was over 200.

Another eyewitness, John Adelowo, told The Nation: “He (Usman) was caught buying food in the market in the afternoon. When the blasphemy occurred there were few people that were there and a stick was used to hit him in the head.

“After that, he was stoned before he ran into the office. His colleagues at the office could not protect him due to the number of people that chased him. After he was unconscious, petrol was poured on him. He was burnt in front of the office”.

FCT Police spokesman DSP Josephine Adeh confirmed the development.

She said police have commenced investigation into what led to the incident.  (Nation)