A police officer in Kaduna State, Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki, has sparked controversy by calling for retaliatory attacks on southerners residing in northern Nigeria.
Dan-Taki made the remarks in response to the killing of 16 northerners in Uromi, Edo State. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he swore in the name of God, insisting that northerners in the region must take action against southerners.
He further warned that southerners had forgotten that their families were living in the North, vowing that they would “see the result within one week.”
His post quickly drew widespread criticism from social media users, who condemned his inflammatory remarks, particularly given his role as a police officer. Many raised concerns that his words could fuel ethnic tensions with some pointing out that he was dressed in uniform in the controversial post.
Following the backlash, Dan-Taki restricted access to his page, limiting the visibility of his posts and comments.
Reacting to the situation on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi responded on X, stating, “Noted for necessary action. Thanks.”
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a man from northern Nigeria issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, demanding swift action in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the Uromi attack.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the unidentified man warned that if immediate steps were not taken, there would be retaliatory attacks against southerners living in the North. He emphasized that northerners would not remain passive in the face of such incidents and implied that any reprisals in the North should be attributed to southerners.
Earlier reports had indicated that 14 suspects linked to the brutal killing of hunters from Kano State in Uromi had been transferred to Abuja for further investigation. Governor Okpebholo confirmed the arrests and assured the public that justice would be served.
The victims, who were traveling to Kano for Sallah celebrations, were attacked by a mob last Thursday, their vehicle ransacked, and subsequently killed. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for those responsible to face the full weight of the law.
Governor Okpebholo described the attack as unacceptable and vowed that the perpetrators would be held accountable.
