A police officer in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, has sparked outrage by threatening retaliatory attacks against people from the south living in the north, following the recent killing of 16 northerners in Edo State.
Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki made the inflammatory comments on Facebook on Tuesday, vowing that northerners would take action against southerners. His remarks came in response to the brutal killings in Uromi, Edo State.
In his Facebook post, which was written in Hausa, Dan-Taki reportedly said, “I swear to Almighty God, we must do something for you guys, have you forgotten all your brothers that are leaving here in the North make my word, after one week you shall see the result.”
Following a wave of criticism online, Dan-Taki appears to have changed his first name on Facebook and restricted access to his profile, limiting who can see his posts and comments.
A screenshot of Dan-Taki’s post was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user, who tagged the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, calling for action. Adejobi responded, acknowledging the post and stating that it had been “Noted for necessary action.”
Africa Eye News reported that 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings of the 16 northerners in Uromi. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo confirmed that the suspects have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
The 16 victims, who were hunters from Kano State, were ambushed and killed by a mob last Thursday while travelling to Kano for Eid celebrations. Their vehicle was searched, and guns were reportedly found, leading to the attack. The killings have been widely condemned across Nigeria, with calls for justice for the victims.
Governor Okpebholo denounced the killings as unacceptable and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Dan-Taki’s comments, made by a law enforcement officer, are particularly concerning and have raised fears of potential inter-communal violence. Authorities are likely to be under pressure to take swift and decisive action against the officer to prevent any escalation of tensions.
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