There was tension in some parts of 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.
Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was killed over alleged blasphemy.
The protesters 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.
“The college security personnel had to intervened by whisking her to their office but they were overwhelmed by students, who later killed her and set her body ablaze,” a source told Daily Trust.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal had met with religious leaders on Friday to douse tension.
Tambuwal Imposes 24-Hour Curfew On Sokoto Metropolis
“(Being a text of curfew declaration statement by Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal [CFR, Mutawallen Sokoto] today May 14, 2022, on the restoration of law and order in the state following students unrest that led to the killing of Miss Deborah Emmanuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto).
“A’uzu Billahi Minas Shaidanir Rajim
“Bismillahi Rahmanir Rahim
“Wa Sallahu Ala Nabiyyil Karim
“Fellow citizens of Sokoto state!
“Following the sad incident that happened at the Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday and sequel to the developments within (Sokoto) metropolis this morning till afternoon, by the powers conferred on me by sections 176(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and section 1 and 4 of the Public Order Act; and, also Section 15 of Sokoto State Peace Preservation Law, I hereby declare, with immediate effect, a curfew within (Sokoto) metropolis of Sokoto township for the next 24 hours.
“I appeal to the good people of Sokoto state to kindly continue to observe law and order and calm down (on the) restiveness currently pervading in the metropolis.
“Everyone should, please, in the interest of peace go back home and observe this measures, with a view of the reestablishment of peace, law and order in the state.
“It is not in the interest of anyone for us to have a breakdown of law and order. I, therefore, appeal for restraint; and, for people to observe and respect the rule of law.
“Thank you very much!”
