A Kaduna State police officer, Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki, has sparked controversy by allegedly threatening retaliatory attacks against southerners residing in northern Nigeria.
Dan-Taki’s statement was reportedly made in response to the killing of 16 northerners in Uromi, Edo State, an incident that has raised concerns about ethnic tensions in the country.
On Tuesday, Dan-Taki took to Facebook, swearing by God that northerners must take action against southerners. He warned that southerners had overlooked the fact that many of their kin lived in the north and vowed that consequences would be felt within a week.
His post quickly ignited a wave of condemnation from social media users, who criticized him for inciting ethnic strife, particularly given his role as a law enforcement officer. Many called for disciplinary action against him, arguing that such statements from a police officer could exacerbate existing divisions and undermine national unity.
In his post, Dan-Taki allegedly wrote: “I swear to Almighty God, we must take action against you people. Have you forgotten that your brothers are living here in the North? Mark my words, within one week, you shall see the result.”
Following the backlash, Dan-Taki restricted access to his Facebook page, limiting users from viewing his posts and comments.
Reacting to the situation, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Muyiwa Adejobi addressed the controversy on Wednesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He assured the public that the matter had been noted for necessary action, suggesting that authorities may take disciplinary measures against the officer.
The incident has reignited conversations about the role of security personnel in fostering unity and the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric, especially in a country already grappling with ethnic and regional tensions. Many Nigerians have called on law enforcement agencies to take a firm stance against officers engaging in divisive rhetoric and ensure that such behavior does not go unpunished.
As of now, it remains unclear what specific actions will be taken against Dan-Taki, but the development underscores the importance of responsible conduct, especially among individuals in positions of authority.
