Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has stirred widespread outrage on social media after issuing a violent threat in response to a perceived insult directed at his mother.
In a now-viral tweet, Bashir responded aggressively to a Twitter user identified as @jusstice09, who had earlier tweeted: “You no go die well ma,”—a derogatory comment apparently aimed at his mother.
Reacting to the comment, Bashir tweeted:
“If you ever utter that phrase to my mother again & delete that tweet, I am going to find you (it’s easier than you think) & unalive you & your family.”
The use of the term “unalive” is a commonly understood euphemism for “kill,” especially in digital spaces where violent threats are often automatically flagged or removed.
His remarks have sparked criticism, with many users calling for his account to be reported to relevant authorities, citing the gravity of threatening not only an individual but also their entire family.
Critics argue that while the original tweet by @jusstice09 was undeniably inappropriate and disrespectful, Bashir El-Rufai’s reaction was disproportionate, dangerous, and potentially criminal in nature. Several commentators on X (formerly Twitter) have urged security agencies to investigate the threat, emphasizing that public figures, especially those linked to political power, must be held accountable for inciting or threatening violence.
As of the time of this report, Bashir El-Rufai has not issued a retraction or apology for the tweet, and the original post remains visible on his timeline.
Calls have also been made to Twitter’s parent company, X Corp., to review and possibly suspend the account over violation of community safety guidelines.
This incident adds to the series of controversial statements Bashir El-Rufai has made online in the past, reinforcing concerns over the conduct of politically exposed persons on social media platforms.