Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and Catholic Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah have called for calm over the murder of a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Deborah Yakubu, by a mob.
The victim was killed by some students of the institution over alleged blasphemy.
In a reaction to sad incident, the Sultan called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The Sultan, in a statement signed by Sa’idu Mohammed Maccido, secretary to the Sultanate Council, condemned the incident and urged security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the unjustifiable act to justice.
The state government on its part, announced immediate the closure of the school and asked all the students to vacate the premises immediately.
Galadanci said, “It has come to the notice of the Sokoto State government, the unfortunate incident that took place at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, in which a student of the college, lost her life.
“Already, the state governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has directed the Ministry of Higher Education and relevant security agencies to commence investigations into the remote and immediate causes of the incident and report back to the government.”
Governor Tambuwal, however, called on the people of the state to remain calm and maintain peace as, the Government would take appropriate actions on the findings of the investigations by the relevant authority.
Sokoto state governor Aminu Tambuwal appealed for calm following the killing of a student of the state owned Shehu Shagari College of Education.
Tambuwal, who cut short his trip and hurried back to the state, rising from a meeting with heads of security in the state including the Chairman and Secretary of the Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, promised that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to book.
The governor appealed to the people of the state to continue to tolerate one another and ensure the age long peaceful coexistence that existed among adherent of different faith in the state is maintained.
Also, Kukah called on the authorities to investigate the gruesome murder of Deborah, a 200-level female Home Economic student of the college.
The eminent clergyman who condemned the killing in a statement he personally signed, emphasised the need to ensure that all culprits in the dastard act are brought to book.
Bishop Kukah said, “The only obligation that is owed the late Deborah’s immediate family, her fellow students and the school authorities is the assurance that those who are guilty of the inhuman act, no matter their motivation are punished according to the extant laws of the land.
“This has nothing to do with religion. Christians have lived peacefully with their Muslim neighbours here in Sokoto over the years. This matter must be treated as a criminal act and the law must take it cause.”
Bishop Kukah called on Christians in Sokoto and around to remain calm and pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
Deborah was mobbed to death for using a blasphemous language while commenting on a group WhatsApp platform.
According to a source, “she was having an argument with some of her schoolmates over their ongoing examination and when she was asked how she managed to pass her exams, she said it was Jesus.
“She was asked to withdraw the statement and apologise which she reportedly refused.
“The school security intervened, took her to their post but they were overpowered by students after which she was killed in the process.
After killing her, her remains were set ablaze and burnt beyond recognition in the school premises,” the source added.
While confirming the incident, the police command spokesman, ASP Sanusi Abubakar, said, “a level two female student, Deborah Yakubu, who was accused of making a social media post that blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was forcefully removed from the security room where she was hidden by the school authorities, killed and burnt.
“The students together with miscreants barricaded the Sokoto/Jega Road. However, an investigation has commenced and two suspects have been arrested so far. The suspects spotted in the viral video on Twitter will be nailed soon. The commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Kamaldeen Kola Okunlola, is appealing to members of the public to go about their lawful activities and should not panic as the situation is under control,” he said.