By Uche Amunike
Nigerians all over the world have expressed their anger and displeasure over the story trending in Sokoto news today about a yet-to-be-identified female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in the state, who was mobbed and set ablaze by some of her fellow students for allegedly speaking ‘blasphemous’ words about Prophet Mohammed.
The incident took place on Thursday morning when the young lady was beaten to death and set ablaze afterwards buy some fanatical Muslim students in the school for what they termed ‘blasphemy’.
An eye witness who preferred to be anonymous, stated that the late student was named Deborah and was seen having an argument with some of her schoolmates concerning their ongoing examination. According to him, when she was asked how she managed to pass her exams she made a statement that they found offending and when she was asked to withdraw the statement and apologize, she refused.
He explained that they beat her up, but she was initially saved by the school security who took her to their duty post. They were however overpowered by the fanatical students who dragged her out and set her ablaze, right there in the school premises.
Deborah’s torture and eventual death has been trending all over Sokoto news today, causing outrage nationwide, as Nigerians have publicly asked the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal including other relevant stakeholders to see that Justice is served for Deborah. Below, are some of their reactions on Twitter:
@FarooqKperogi: ‘Murderers of Christian Woman in Sokoto Must Be Arrested & Punished! I just watched a blood-curdling video clip of a bunch of murderous, maniacal brutes murdering & burning a Christian woman at the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, because she allegedly blasphemed Islam.’
@mrmacaroni: ‘According to multiple reports, Deborah, a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, accused of blasphemy was killed and burnt. This is what happens when there are no consequences for actions in society. The government must wake up from their slumber!!’
@Letter_to_Jack: ‘All the boys whose faces appeared in that tragic trending video from Sokoto state will have elevated status in their society as a result, they will be tagged heroes and tipped for greatness. In a few years, they will occupy powerful seats. That’s the way it works in the North. 
’
’Governor Aminu Tambuwal has however ordered the immediate closure of the school, authorizing the Ministry of Higher Education and relevant security agencies in the state to proceed with investigations into the cause of the sad incident and report back to the government.
The Management of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, has therefore, announced the immediate closure of the institution, through a circular dated May 12, 2022.
The Circular, which described the incident as an ‘early-morning students rampage’, partly read:
‘Following today’s early morning students rampage in the college, the College Management has resolved to close down the college indefinitely with immediate effect. Consequently, all students are hereby directed to vacate the college campus immediately (May 12, 2022).’
The governor called on the people to remain calm and maintain peace just as he assured the residents that appropriate actions on the findings of the investigations would be taken and justice, served.
