Tension as protesters demand release of suspects who killed student over ‘blasphemy’

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.

Daily Trust had reported how Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was killed over alleged blasphemy.

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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.