Edo Attack: ‘I Swear in the Name of God, After One Week Southerners in the North Will Hear from Us’ – Police Officer Threatens Reprisal

A police officer from Kaduna State, Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki, has provoked widespread backlash after posting a threatening message on social media, vowing to retaliate against southerners in northern Nigeria following the recent killings of 16 northerners in Uromi, Edo State. In the post, Dan-Taki, swearing by the name of God, called on northerners in the region to take action against southerners, warning them that “within one week, the southerners shall see the result.”

The post, which was shared on Facebook, quickly drew condemnation from social media users, many of whom criticized the officer for inciting ethnic tensions. Concerns were also raised over the fact that Dan-Taki holds a public position within the police force, further elevating the gravity of his words. In his post, he stated, “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? Make my word, after one week you shall see the result.” Following the backlash, he restricted access to his Facebook page, limiting public viewing of his posts.

Dan-Taki’s comments were made in the wake of the brutal killing of 16 northerners in Uromi, located in Edo State. The victims, who were on their way to Kano for Sallah celebrations, were attacked by a mob, their vehicle ransacked, and they were subsequently murdered. The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with calls for justice.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a separate individual from northern Nigeria issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, demanding swift action to identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for the killings. In a video circulating on social media, the man warned that if the authorities failed to take immediate action, retaliatory attacks against southerners in the north would follow.

The incident in Uromi, which took place last Thursday, has led to the arrest of 14 suspects, who were transferred to Abuja for further investigation. Governor Okpebholo has promised that the perpetrators will face the full weight of the law, condemning the attack as unacceptable and assuring the public that justice will be served.

In response to the incident involving Dan-Taki, Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), acknowledged the situation on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Noted for necessary action. Thanks.” The comments from the police officer and the public uproar have raised concerns about escalating ethnic tensions in the country.