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Borno Official Apologizes for Finger-Cutting Threat to Opponents

Published by YuToday Staff

0 views · 1 hour ago · 3:38 read · September 2, 2026

Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth, and Sports, Saina Buba, issued a formal apology on Tuesday after facing backlash for threatening to 'cut off' the fingers of those opposing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The controversial remark, made during a public address, sparked widespread condemnation and prompted police intervention to urge political stakeholders to exercise restraint.

Key takeaways

Borno State Commissioner Saina Buba retracted his threat to 'cut off' opponents' fingers after widespread condemnation.
Police urged political stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements to prevent violence.
Opposition groups demanded accountability, while some APC loyalists defended Buba’s remarks.
Borno’s political climate remains tense ahead of local elections.

Commissioner retracts violent threat amid public outrage

Saina Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth, and Sports, issued a public apology on September 2, 2026, retracting his earlier threat to 'cut off' the fingers of political opponents. The apology followed intense criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties, and the general public, who condemned the statement as inflammatory and a violation of democratic norms. Buba, a prominent figure in the APC, had made the remarks during a rally in Maiduguri, where he accused opponents of undermining the state government’s policies. The retraction comes as political tensions in Borno State remain high, with local elections scheduled for later this year.

Police urge calm as political rhetoric heats up

In response to the controversy, the Borno State Police Command issued a statement urging political stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid statements capable of inciting violence or threatening public peace. The police emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, particularly as the state prepares for upcoming elections. Analysts suggest that the incident highlights broader concerns about the escalation of political rhetoric in Nigeria, where inflammatory statements have historically contributed to violence. The police did not specify any legal action against Buba but warned that such remarks could lead to further unrest.

Opposition groups demand accountability

Opposition parties in Borno State have seized on the incident to demand greater accountability from the APC-led government. Spokespersons for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other opposition groups called for Buba’s resignation, arguing that his remarks were emblematic of a broader pattern of intolerance within the ruling party. Civil society organizations have also condemned the threat, urging authorities to take concrete steps to prevent political violence. Meanwhile, some APC loyalists have defended Buba, claiming his words were taken out of context and did not reflect the party’s official stance.

Borno’s political climate remains volatile

The apology comes at a critical juncture for Borno State, where political divisions have deepened in recent months. The state, which has been a flashpoint for insurgency and insecurity, is also preparing for local elections that could further polarize communities. Analysts warn that inflammatory rhetoric, whether from government officials or opposition figures, risks exacerbating existing tensions. The police’s call for restraint underscores the delicate balance authorities must strike between protecting free speech and preventing violence. Unconfirmed reports suggest that additional measures may be taken to monitor political gatherings in the coming weeks.

What’s next for Borno’s political landscape?

With the apology issued and police urging calm, the focus now shifts to how political actors in Borno State will respond. Opposition groups have vowed to push for accountability, while the APC may seek to distance itself from Buba’s remarks to avoid further backlash. The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for the state’s political climate, with observers closely monitoring whether rhetoric escalates or de-escalates. Meanwhile, civil society organizations are calling for dialogue to address underlying grievances and prevent future incidents. The resolution of this controversy could set a precedent for how political disputes are handled in Nigeria’s most volatile regions.

What happens next

As Borno State navigates the fallout from this controversy, the focus will remain on how political actors respond in the coming weeks. With local elections on the horizon, authorities may implement additional measures to monitor political gatherings and prevent violence. Civil society organizations are also expected to push for dialogue to address underlying grievances. The resolution of this incident could influence broader political dynamics in Nigeria’s most volatile regions.