Police prevent sectarian violence in Bauchi after cleric’s death

The Bauchi State Police Command on Friday, April 4, 2025, swiftly intervened to prevent a potentially violent confrontation between two Islamic sects, following the death of prominent Islamic scholar, Dr Abdulaziz Idris Dutsen-Tanshi.

As tensions began to mount, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, issued an appeal for calm and directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to commence a discreet and thorough probe into the events leading up to the unrest.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakili, revealed that the incident was first reported around 2:45 p.m. by a concerned citizen. The report involved Ahmad Isa Jaja, the Chief Imam of Galli Mosque located in Bauchi metropolis's Jahun area.

“During his Friday sermon, the Imam made inappropriate remarks towards the late Malam Idris Abdulazeez Dutsen-Tanshi,”; Wakili disclosed.

He further noted that the sermon provoked anger among supporters of the late cleric, many of whom converged at the mosque to register their displeasure.

Acting promptly, CP Aliyu deployed a tactical team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dutsen-Tanshi to de-escalate the situation. According to Wakili, the team “effectively intervened to ensure the safety of both the Imam and the congregation, dispersing the crowd in a peaceful and professional manner.”;

The Imam was subsequently placed under protective custody, while a comprehensive investigation was ordered by the police leadership to determine the full context of the events.

CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu stressed the role of religious leaders in promoting societal harmony, stating: “Religious leaders must recognise their rights to freedom of expression while urging them to refrain from using the pulpit to express insults, derogatory and abusive remarks towards any individual or group.”;

He added, “These leaders must foster an environment of peace and harmony within the community through their sermons, irrespective of different opinions or religious beliefs. Accordingly, it is crucial that they demonstrate respect for established authorities moving forward.”;

The police have urged residents to remain peaceful and support the ongoing investigation efforts to ensure the state remains calm and secure.