A man from northern Nigeria has issued a chilling 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, demanding the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible for the brutal killing of 16 Northerners in Uromi, Edo State.
In a video seen by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, the unidentified man warned that failure to bring the perpetrators to justice would trigger retaliatory attacks on Southerners residing in the North.
In a three-minute, 30-second video, the man expressed deep frustration over the killings, declaring that Northerners would no longer exercise patience in the face of such attacks. He stated that any reprisal attacks should be blamed on Southerners and their leaders.
While condemning those advocating for justice over the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel—who was burned alive in Sokoto State over allegations of blasphemy—he justified her killing, arguing that she had insulted the Prophet Muhammad. He questioned why Christians in the South condemned the act, asserting that Northerners had never disrespected Jesus Christ.
The man further argued that, in Islam, any Muslim who insults Jesus ceases to be a believer, as Prophet Isa (Jesus) is regarded as a revered messenger of Allah. He explained the theological differences between Muslims and Christians, emphasizing that while Christians worship Jesus as God, Muslims recognize him solely as a prophet.
He then escalated his rhetoric, warning that if swift justice was not served for the slain Northerners in Edo, Southerners living in the North—regardless of their state of origin—would face dire consequences.
Addressing President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo directly, he reminded them of the substantial Southern population residing in Northern states like Borno, Kano, Jos, Kaduna, and Adamawa. He warned that any fallout from the Edo killings would be their responsibility, regardless of whether the victims were from Edo or elsewhere.
His speech was laced with inflammatory remarks:
> “Good morning, my fellow Nigerians. I have seen many of you calling for justice for Deborah. But let me remind you, Deborah was not killed without cause—she insulted our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Have you ever heard a Northerner insult Jesus? Never! Yet some foolish Christians among you insult our Prophet and expect us to remain silent. That is our law—anyone who insults our Prophet must be killed.”
“President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo, this is a direct message to you. You have many of your people living in the North, in Borno, Kano, Jos, Kaduna, and Adamawa. If nothing is done about this within 48 hours, you will be held responsible for whatever happens next. We will not be patient, and we will strike when the time is right.”
The threats come in the wake of the gruesome murder of 16 Northerners, who were reportedly hunters from Kano State traveling home for Sallah celebrations. Their vehicle was ambushed, ransacked, and they were brutally executed in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The horrific incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for swift justice. In response, Governor Okpebholo condemned the attack as unacceptable and confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested and transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. He reassured the public that the perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
The threats issued by the Northern man have heightened tensions in an already volatile political and religious landscape. As the 48-hour ultimatum ticks down, Nigerians remain on high alert, hoping that the government’s response will prevent further escalation of violence.
The situation underscores the urgent need for decisive action to curb ethnic and religious tensions before they spiral out of control. The nation watches closely as the authorities navigate this highly sensitive crisis, balancing justice, security, and unity in an increasingly divided Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 