IHRC Reacts To Killing Of Student Over Blasphemy In Sokoto, Says Justice Must Be Served

The International Human Rights Commission has condemned the killing of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level Home Economics Student of Shehu Shagari College of Education (SSCOE), Sokoto.

At a press briefing at his Imo State Office, the National Volunteers Coordinator of the International Human Rights Commission, Amb. Engr. Elijah Vitus Echendu frowned at the brutality and demanded that the perpetrators must be punished. He also stated that the IHRC will use every instrument within the ambit of the law to seek justice for the family.

He further stated: “It is pertinent to note that Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari sought to provide her fellow West African States an effective political leadership that has respect for Human Rights and Religious Tolerance. There is an urgent need to erase doubts of the global community with respect to Human Rights by ensuring that the killers and instigators who led to the death of Deborah Samuel are arrested to face the wrought of the law”.

Amb. Echendu said that IHRC will collaborate with the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and the West-African region to fight the myth surrounding Religious Intolerance and Abuse of Human Rights. He told newsmen in Owerri on Friday, May 13, 2022, that the IHRC will partner with other agencies in Nigeria in the task of providing sound justice and security for all Nigerians not minding the ethnic and religious diversities. He described the IHRC as a critical component of existence that cannot be overlooked by any credible government.

The National Coordinator expressed optimism that the killers will soon be arrested and made to face justice to deter future offenders. he assured that IHRC will carry out an unbiased independent investigation into the killing and call on Christians in Sokoto to remain peaceful and shun all acts of reprisal attacks so as not to stir religious and ethnic mutiny.

He revealed that the press briefing was necessitated by recent reports of violations of Human Rights in Nigeria as unknown gunmen and Terrorists have ravaged the states across the West-African region.

Recall that the late Deborah Samuel, a 200 level Home Economics student of the College of Education, Sokoto was brutally stoned and burnt to death for allegedly criticising prophet Mohammed on social media.

The College was closed by the state government led by Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal who directed the Ministry of Higher Education and relevant security agencies in the state to commence the investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the incident and report back to the government. He also promised to take necessary actions as soon as the report is made available.

In the same vein, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto, Bishop Kukah has also called for calm, seeks punishment for the killers. In a follow up, the Sultanate Council has also condemned the killing and calls for religious tolerance. The State Police Command PRO ASP Sanusi Abubakar while speaking to newsmen in Sokoto said two arrests have been made as more suspects are on their radar.

He further said the killer mob also went ahead destroying properties, including vehicles and blocking major highways, especially Jega Road.

The IHRC said they are watching with keen interest on how the Nigerian Government will handle the unfortunate incident as the world is also watching.