The reported killing of Kano social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, has triggered condemnation from former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani, Amnesty International Nigeria and former Minister of Youths and Sports Development Solomon Dalung.
Dan Shagamu was reportedly killed at his residence in Kano, where his body was allegedly discovered in a pool of blood.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remained unclear as of Wednesday, although reports on social media claimed that the commentator was killed in a gruesome manner, with some describing the alleged method as “yankan rago”, a Hausa expression referring to throat-slitting.
Dan Shagamu, who operated under the brand Dan-Shagamu International, was popular for his social media commentary on political, religious and community issues.
Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed the killing and called on the authorities to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The organisation said in a statement, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of a social media political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu whose body was found today in a pool of blood at his home in Kano.”
It added that he “was brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers.”
The rights organisation urged the Nigerian authorities, particularly the police, to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Amnesty also linked the incident to broader concerns over threats and intimidation allegedly targeting political voices ahead of the elections.
“As the elections approach, we continue to receive disturbing reports of politically related threats to life and intimidation,” it said.
Kwankwaso, who is the NDC vice-presidential candidate, described the killing as deeply disturbing and called for an immediate investigation by the Kano State Government.
“I am deeply disturbed by the killing of the renowned social media political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, whose body was found today in a pool of his blood at his home in Kano,” he said.
The former governor urged the state government to constitute an investigative panel to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
He warned that failure by the authorities to take decisive action would prompt an incoming NDC government to conduct its own investigation.
“Should the authorities fail to take decisive and transparent action, the incoming NDC Government will, upon assumption of office, launch a full investigation and take all necessary steps to hold those responsible accountable,” Kwankwaso said.
He also urged the Federal and Kano State governments to protect opposition voices, arguing that the constitutional right to freedom of expression must extend to citizens who express views critical of those in power.
Sani condemned the killing as well, saying those behind the attack must be arrested and prosecuted.
“The brutal murder of the Kano Social Media Commentator Ibrahim Danshagamu is condemnable. The perpetrators of the heinous act must be arrested and brought to justice,” he said.
According to the former senator, political intolerance, thuggery and violence posed a serious threat to national unity and stability.
Dalung added another dimension to the outrage by sharing a video in which Dan Shagamu was seen appealing for help and warning that his life was in danger.
“This video is difficult to watch knowing what we know now,” Dalung said.
“Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu told us that his life was in danger. He raised the alarm and appealed for help.
“Today, he is dead. Slaughtered and left in a pool of his own blood.”
The former minister questioned the failure to adequately respond to the deceased's warning while he was still alive.
“Sometimes, a warning only acquires its full meaning after it is too late,” he said.
Dalung urged the authorities to investigate the death thoroughly, insisting that the truth surrounding the killing must be established and whoever was responsible made to face the law.
“We must never become a society that hears a cry for help, ignores it, and only begins asking questions after the victim is gone,” he said.
The death has continued to generate reactions online, with followers and other residents expressing shock and demanding justice for the commentator.
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