A police officer in Kaduna State, Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after publicly threatening reprisal attacks against Southerners living in the North. His inflammatory remarks came in reaction to the brutal killing of 16 Northerners in Uromi, Edo State.
Dan-Taki, in a now-deleted Facebook post on Tuesday, swore in the name of God that Northerners must retaliate against Southerners, warning ominously that within a week, the consequences would be evident. His post read:
> “I swear to Almighty God, we must do something for you guys. Have you forgotten all your brothers that are living here in the North? Mark my words—after one week, you shall see the result.”
The post quickly drew widespread condemnation from social media users, with many expressing shock that a serving police officer—sworn to uphold law and order—would make such an incendiary statement. Critics warned that his words could deepen ethnic divisions and incite violence.
Amid mounting backlash, Dan-Taki swiftly locked his Facebook page, restricting access to his posts. However, his comments had already gone viral, fueling fears of rising ethnic tensions.
On Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, acknowledged the situation in a brief post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
> “Noted for necessary action. Thanks.”
https://x.com/Princemoye1/status/1907304720344944654?t=X_rOxMotAHsEp1Bk59m4oQ&s=19
The development follows an earlier ultimatum issued by an unidentified Northern man, who, in a viral video, gave President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo a 48-hour deadline to apprehend those responsible for the Uromi killings. He warned that failure to act would trigger retaliatory attacks against Southerners residing in the North.
The tragic incident in Uromi, which has sparked nationwide outrage, involved a mob attack on 16 Northerners—reportedly hunters from Kano State—who were traveling home for the Sallah celebrations. Their vehicle was intercepted, ransacked, and the victims were gruesomely murdered.
In response, the Edo State Government confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested and transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. Governor Okpebholo condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric and unacceptable,” and assured Nigerians that the perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
The shocking threats from Dan-Taki and the unidentified Northern man have heightened concerns over escalating ethnic hostilities. Many Nigerians are calling on the police and federal authorities to take swift action to prevent any outbreak of violence.
With tensions simmering, security agencies face mounting pressure to not only bring the killers in Edo to justice but also to rein in individuals using dangerous rhetoric that could ignite further unrest.
PIONEER NEWS 