The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria has issued a critical alert regarding a disturbing audio recording circulating online, which allegedly incites violence and promotes hate speech against Igbo Muslims. This alarming development underscores the urgent need for security agencies to launch a thorough investigation, as such rhetoric poses a severe threat to public safety and the fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. The organization’s swift action highlights the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the potential for divisive narratives to destabilize peace within Nigeria’s diverse communities.
In a detailed statement released recently, MPAC described the audio, attributed to an individual identified as Mazi Kanayo, as a dangerous form of hate speech. This incident is not merely an isolated occurrence but a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in a nation with a rich tapestry of ethnic and religious groups. MPAC’s condemnation of this specific audio, which targets Igbo Muslims, is particularly impactful.
The contentious recording gained significant traction after being translated and widely disseminated on platforms such as TikTok by a user known as @ugochukwubesira. MPAC alleges that the audio contains highly inflammatory remarks specifically targeting Igbo Muslims, unjustly accusing them of betrayal and actively encouraging hostility towards them. Such content is not only deeply defamatory but also carries a high risk of triggering widespread violence and exacerbating existing communal tensions if not promptly and decisively addressed by relevant authorities.
What is hate speech in Nigeria? Hate speech in Nigeria encompasses any expression promoting