The arrest of two persons connected with the gruesome murder of a Christian student, Deborah Samuel, at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, has caused chaos in some areas in the state.
Some churches were razed, shops looted, and properties destroyed as some irate youths took over some areas in the state.
On Thursday, May 12, Deborah was accused of making insulting statements at Prophet Mohammed in her school’s Whatsapp group. Her Muslim classmates considered her comments as blasphemy against the Prophet. Hence, they stoned and burnt her alive.
The culprits recorded the dastardly act and posted on social media which has caused outrage in the past 48 hours. The arrest of two of the culprits did not go down well with the Muslim youths in the community. Hence, they went on a rampage destroying properties on Saturday.
Before then, a large number of the protesters trooped to the Sultan of Sokoto’s palace, demanding the release of the two suspects. They also set up a bonfire close to the building.
However, the angry crowd was dispersed with teargas canisters which were fired by armed policemen. According to reports, two people were injured in the process.
Their actions did not end there as the protesters stormed some churches and destroyed their properties. The building of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in the area was reportedly set ablaze by the protesters.
A Sokoto resident told Sahara Reporters, “The Catholic church was attacked and scattered while the First ECWA church beside it has been burnt. Some Christians were injured. These youths also attacked some Igbo traders, destroyed their cars.
“Heard they are burning shops and stealing goods currently in city centres as well. Sadly, no intervention from the armed forces.”
The actions of the protesters have been condemned by several persons in the country. Many people have called on the relevant authorities to see that this act is brought to an end and that perpetrators should be made to face the law.
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