Crisis has ensued in Sokoto State on Saturday as protesters trooped to the streets over the arrest of suspects involved in the killing of a female student over alleged blasphemy.
Some youths in the state had earlier murdered one Deborah Samuel over alleged blasphemy at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.
The video of the murder was shared across social media and went viral in few minutes. Deborah was a 200 Level student of the school. The incident has been attacked with several condemnations and criticisms.
However, a new development has now resulted into protests in the state after protesters demanded the release of some suspects arrested for perpetrating the crime.
The protesters trooped out and wielded placards with inscriptions such as, “Release our Muslim brothers”, Muslims Are Not Terrorists”, among others.
Ahead of the protest, security personnel were stationed at strategic places, including the Sultan of Sokoto Palace.
Commenting on social media, one Jefiter John, asked residents to stay indoors and avoid areas where the protesters were.
Another social media user asked the government to declare curfew for peace to reign.
Trouble started after the deceased was said to have made the blasphemous comment on a WhatsApp group where her classmates were.
Someone was said to have shared a religious post on the platform. Criticising the person, Deborah was said to have made blasphemous statement against Prophet Muhammad.
Accroding to eyewitness, after threats to her life became obvious, she was immediately evacuated to the security post of the school for safety. However, the mob pursued her to the security post and overpowered the personnel there.
She was brutally killed as several gory videos circulating online showed how mobs were stoning and beating her to death.
Condemning the action, the President of Nigeria in a speech signed by his Spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said the killing of the young lady by fellow students was a matter of concern and demanded an impartial, extensive probe into all that happened before and during the incident.
The President noted that Muslims all over the world demand respect for the Holy Prophets, including Isah (Alaihissalaam, Jesus Christ) and Muhammad (SAW) but where transgressions occur, as alleged to be the case in this instance, the law does not allow anyone to take matters into their hands.
He submitted that no person has the right to take the law in his or her own hands in this country and that violence has and never will solve any problem.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal called for a meeting with religious leaders in the state as tensions over the incident grows across the country.
