A Kaduna State police officer, Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki, has sparked widespread condemnation after making incendiary comments on social media, threatening reprisal attacks against Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
Dan-Taki’s remarks were in response to the killing of 16 Northerners in Uromi, Edo State. In a now-restricted Facebook post, he swore in the name of God, warning that Northerners must retaliate against Southerners. He further stated that Southerners had forgotten that their families reside in the North, vowing that “within one week, they shall see the result.”
Public Backlash and Official Response
The post was met with widespread condemnation across social media, with many calling out Dan-Taki for inciting ethnic tensions, particularly as a law enforcement officer. Critics expressed concern that such statements could fuel further divisions and unrest.
Following the backlash, Dan-Taki locked his social media accounts, restricting access to his posts and comments.
Reacting to the controversy, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Muyiwa Adejobi acknowledged the situation on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Noted for necessary action.”
Rising Tensions Over Edo Killings
The incident comes amid heightened tensions following the killing of 16 Northerners in Uromi, Edo State. Sahara Reporters had earlier reported that a Northern man issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, demanding swift justice for the victims.
In a video circulating online, the man warned that failure to act would lead to retaliatory attacks against Southerners living in the North.
Meanwhile, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. Governor Okpebholo has described the attack as “unacceptable” and assured that the perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for swift action to prevent further violence and ensure justice for the victims.
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Have you ever heard that southerners are killing people in the North same way northerners are brutally sacking villagers in parts of southern Nigeria without the intervention of the federal government. While I condemn killings of Nigerians by Nigerians, let justice be served to all ethnic groups facing annihilation by other ethnic groups. The injustice is too much. I am concerned by what is playing out. If a northerner is seen with dame gun and matched, he is a hunter. But if a southerner is seen with same weapon, he is tacked an IPOB or militant in the same country. Is that fair? The northerners have committed so many heinous crime that has not been brought to justice. They sack farmers at will as if with the support of the federal government. The boldness of their actions leave one to wonder if they are faceless. Let the killing stop. That’s my campaign. Let the killings stop.