Tag: Deborah Samuel

How Muslim students burnt Deborah – Coursemate reveals

Remi Hassan, coursemate of late Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, who was stoned to death and burnt on Thursday by her fellow students for allegedly making a blasphemous statement on a WhatsApp group, has given an account of how the incident happened.

The coursemate, on Sunday, via social media, gave the details of what transpired on the WhatsApp group that led to Deborah being stoned to death and burnt by her fellow students.

She said: “Deborah was my course mate. I just stepped into the class when the uproar on her voice note started
It was her own coursemates that started it. One of them said Deborah dared them by refusing to apologize whenever she was asked to.

“It all started with a debate on the upcoming examination on a general WhatsApp platform created for our coursemates. One of the students asked her how she passed the last semester’s examination and in response, she said it was ‘Jesus o’.

“Immediately, about three other chats came in from two Muslims and one Christian, telling her to retract the statement. Two students from other departments who overheard some Muslim boys discussing the matter told Deborah’s close friends to prevail on her to retract the statement. But she replied via a voice note on the platform ‘Holy Ghost fire. Nothing will happen to me.

Late Deborah Samuel

“Is it by force that you guys will always be sending this religious stuff in this group? The group wasn’t created for that but rather as a notice on test, assignment, exam, etc, not this nonsense religious posts’.

“We were made to understand that some young men were brought from outside before the outrage. I was in class when some of our coursemates rushed in, saying ‘there is fire on the mountain o’.

“The Muslim students led the strangers to the class to look for her. In fear, those in the class tried to help her escape and took her to the security post from where they hoped to create a way for her to run outside Already, a cab was waiting outside to drive her straight to the police station.

“Unfortunately, the mob overpowered everyone who tried to save her. They even threatened to kill anyone who attempted to stand in their way.

Deborah’s last word as she pleaded for mercy:

“She was dragged out, flogged, and stoned. The last word in her mouth was ‘what do you hope to achieve with this?’ By then some of our coursemates were making calls to some of our lecturers to save the situation. At a point, all the Christian students fled the school premises.

It was when I got home that I heard she was set ablaze. Since the incident, I have been having a flash of her pleading expression. She pleaded for mercy and called out for help but it was far from her. What a cruel way to die.” She said.”

The remains of Deborah were laid to rest in her hometown, Tungan Magajiya in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday amidst controversy.

This is even as the Sokoto State Government allegedly insisted that the body be kept in the mortuary until it concludes its arrangement on the matter.

The deceased, it was gathered, had been living with family members in Sokoto since she was in primary school before her death.

May 15, 2022
Deborah Samuel:FCCN condemns killing of Deborah, demands justice

The Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria (FCCN) has condemned the killing of Miss Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, for alleged blasphemy.

The president and general secretary of FCCN, Rev. Caleb Ahima and Rev. Moses Ebuga accordingly, made the statement in Jos on Sunday

The fellowship, a collection of more than 25 denominations in the northern part of the country, maintained that the dastardly act must not be tolerated.

The group called on the federal and Sokoto State governments to bring the perpetrators to book.

“The Executive Council of the fellowship during its May 12 meeting received with rude shock the tragic murder of Miss Deborah Samuel , a 200-Level student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto for alleged blasphemy.

“We condemn this inhuman act in totality and in the strongest terms possible.

”We call on relevant authorities to act decisively to bring those who committed this criminal act to face the full wrath of the law regardless of whoever is involved.

“This dastardly act must not be tolerated at all; the perpetrators should be dealt with to serve as deterrent for future occurrence,” it called.

The fellowship, however, called on residents of the state, particularly Christians, not to take the law into theirs hands but allow the authorities to act appropriately.

“The fellowship extends its deepest condolences to the immediate family of Deborah Samuel and her entire community, and prayed God to console them,” the group said.

It further advised Christians to be fervent in prayers for justice and peace to reign in the country.

May 15, 2022
Riots, curfew force suspension of Catholic Masses in Sokoto

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has suspended all Masses in the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Social Communications in the Diocese, Rev. Fr Christopher Omotosho, the cleric also dismissed reports on the attack on his residence by hoodlums protesting the arrest of two suspected killers of the student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Deborah Samuel.

He commended the state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, for imposing a 24-hour curfew on the Sokoto metropolis in a bid to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the state.

Samuel, a 200-level student of the college, was killed by an angry mob on Thursday for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammed.

The police later arrested two people in connection with the incident.

A group of Muslim youths on Saturday protested in the state capital and demanded the release of the suspects.

The statement read: “The Sokoto State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew to help stem the ongoing protests embarked upon by Muslim youth in the state capital today.

“During the protest, groups of youths led by some adults in the background attacked the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Bello Way, destroying church glass windows, those of the Bishop Lawton Secretariat were also attacked and a community bus parked within the premises vandalised.

“St. Kevin’s Catholic Church Gidan Dere, Eastern By-pass, was also attacked and partly burnt; windows of the new hospital complex under construction, in the same premises were shattered.”

“They were promptly dispersed by a team of Mobile Policemen before they could do further damage

“Contrary to information in circulation, we wish to disclaim that there was an attack of any sort on the residence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

“The Bishop appeals to Christians to remain law abiding and pray for the return of normalcy.

“All Masses in the Sokoto metropolis have been suspended until the curfew is lifted.”

May 15, 2022
Update on Sokoto: Churches attacked by rampaging Moslem youths – Rev Omotosho

…as Kukah hails govt and security operatives
…all Catholic Church masses suspended until curfew is lifted

The Directorate of Social Communications of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese has confirmed that a few churches in the troubled state were attacked by Muslim youths on rampage.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls that on Saturday, Muslim youths clamouring for the release of two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Deborah Yakubu last Saturday went on rampage in Sokoto destroying properties belonging to Christians.

TNG reports that the Catholic Diocese in Sokoto via a statement issued and signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev Christopher Omotosho gave updates on development in the state.

Omotosho in the statement explained that:”During the protest, groups of youths led by some adults in the background
attacked the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Bello Way, destroying church glass windows, those of the Bishop Lawton Secretariat and vandalized a community bus parked within the premises. St. Kevin’s Catholic Church Gidan Dere, Eastern By-pass, was also attacked and partly burnt; windows of the new hospital complex under construction, in the same premises were
shattered.

“They were promptly dispersed by a team of Mobile Policemen before they could do further damage.

“The hoodlums also attacked the Bakhita Centre located along Aliyu Jodi Road
and burnt down a bus within the premises.

“In a reaction, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew
Hassan Kukah commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu
Tambuwal for acting promptly by declaring the 24-hour curfew to stem the
protests.

“He also commended the security forces for promptly rising to the occasion to
prevent further damage at our facilities.
In all, no life was lost.

“Contrary to information in circulation, we wish to disclaim that there was an
attack of any sort on the residence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

“The Bishop appeals to Christians to remain law abiding and pray for the return of normalcy.

May 15, 2022
Sokoto State Riot: Igbo youth group hints on reprisal attack

The apex apex socio-political youth group in the South East, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL) has frowned at the attacks on Igbos and their properties in Sokoto state,TheNewsGuru.com can confirm.

COSEYL has hinted on reprisal attacks on Sokoto indigenes living in the South if they do not put a stop to the wanton destruction of lives and properties.

Recall that there was pandemonium on the streets of Sokoto by irate youths who felt aggrieved and also getting violent over the arrest of two suspected killers of Deborah Samuel a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education.

Deborah Samuel was alleged to have insulted Prophet Mohammed (SAW) through a message she sent on her class’ WhatsApp group

After outcries across the country condemning the incident, some of the perpetrators were arrested by the state’s police command.

Angered by the arrest, a large number of Muslim youths stormed several streets destroying churches and shops belonging to Igbos.

In reaction to the destruction of shops and properties, COSEYL via a statement made available to pressmen warned that there could be a reprisal attack if the attacks on Igbos and their properties do not stop.

The statement reads, “These attacks on law-abiding and innocent Igbo businessmen who have done nothing wrong to warrant such vicious and barbaric attack on them is uncalled for and we condemn it in its entirety.

“We warn the Sokoto indigenes to stop the attack and destruction of Igbo properties and goods forthwith. We want these miscreants to know that nobody has the monopoly of violence, they should stop or else, they will see us soon.

“The same way Igbos are living in Sokoto doing their legitimate business is also the same way Sokoto indigenes are living in the South doing their business”.

The coalition called on the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal to immediately arrest and prosecute those involved in the destruction of Igbo properties and churches.

May 15, 2022
Tears as Deborah Samuel’s remains is buried in Niger state

Pastor Emmanuel Maaaji of the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Tunga Magajiya, Niger, has confirmed the arrival in Magajiya of the remains of the slain student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Miss Deborah Samuel for burial.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports late Deborah Samuel was killed on Thursday by some college students for alleged blasphemy and the remains of her arrived in her village, Tunga Magajiya, Rijau Local Government Area of the state, for burial on Saturday.

Maaaji, the pastor to the deceased’s family in charge of the church in Tunga Magajiya, spoke by telephone to newsmen on Saturday.

“The family is insisting that late Deborah Samuel be buried today because they are not happy with the way the government is handling the issue,” he said.

Maaaji said that the late Samuel’s mother “has been unconscious since she heard the news on Thursday, which led to a rise in her blood pressure while the father has been inconsolable”.

He alleged that the body of the late Samuel was brought in a chartered bus.

He, however, said “the government called and said that it is not right for the family to take the body in that manner without informing the government of Sokoto State.

“The Sokoto State government told the family that Deborah’s body belongs to the government and not the family”.

Maaaji said that although he could not recollect the name of the person who called, the person claimed to be representing the government of Sokoto State.

Similarly, Rev. Danjuma Doma, Coordinator, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Rijau Local Government area of the state, confirmed that the family and church were preparing for the burial.

“We are preparing for the burial. She will be buried today.

“We are all here to give the family support. We will update you on the situation as it goes,” he said.

The state chapter of CAN led by Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora, had condoled the Christian faithful in the state, especially, Rijau Local Government and the family of the late Samuel.

“We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing on to glory of our beloved sister, Deborah Samuel.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Christian community in Niger, most especially, the people of Rijau Local Government and her immediate family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Christian community and all her family.

“At this difficult time of sadness and bereavement, may God have mercy on her and grant her eternal rest.

“May God grant the immediate family and indeed all of us the fortitude to bear the loss,” he prayed.

TNG, meanwhile reports, that at the time of filing this report, the remains of Samuel had been laid to rest.

May 14, 2022
BREAKING: CAN writes church leaders to embark on nation wide protest over Deborah’s death

…says enough is enough

…as Sokoto boils

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has written to its leaders requesting for a nationwide peaceful protest over the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto by irate youths over alleged blasphemy.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls Deborah Samuel was killed on Thursday by Sokoto youths over alleged blasphemy.

In the letter addressed to all Block leaders and signed by CAN Secretary General, Joseph Daramola, the body requested for a peaceful demonstration over the killing of Deborah.

The body declared that “enough is enough of killing in the name of God”.

In the letter dated May 14, CAN demanded for justice to redress the killing of Deborah.

Meanwhile, irate youths have taken over the streets of Sokoto demanding that suspects arrested in connection to her death should be released.

See letter below:

Request fork Protest for the killing of Deborah

May 14, 2022
Governor Tambuwal imposes 24 hours curfew in Sokoto state

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Saturday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state following a widespread protest over the arrest of two persons allegedly involved in killing and burning of the body of Deborah Samuel a part two student of Shehu Shagari College of Education.

Some youths of the state have staged a protest demanding for the release of the two suspects arrested for the killing of Deborah Samuel over allegations of Blasphemy.

Recall that Deborah Samuel was beaten to death and her remains burnt by some Muslim Male students of the institution.

They accused her of Blasphemy of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) in her WhatsApp Voice note sent to their class group.

May 14, 2022
After backlash, Atiku insists all tweets must get his approval

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, on Friday, said that every tweet on his official social media handles must get his approval before publication.

Atiku, one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirants, said this when he paid a consultative visit to Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo at the Government House, Benin.

Atiku had earlier reacted to the killing of Miss Deborah Samuel who was accused of blasphemy.

The post was soon taken down, generating a lot of social media backlash.

According to Atiku, “Every tweet has to get my expressed approval but this one didn’t so I asked them to take it down.

“I took a stand about Sharia law and was abused, thrown stones at, but how long did it last? Despite that I didn’t change my position on that. I am not afraid to take a stand on critical issues,“ he said.

According to the presidential aspirant, investment in education is key.

“If you can recall what the PDP government did then while in power, we created the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

“We also set up the Primary School Education Fund and Education Tax Fund to enable us (PDP Federal Government) provide sufficient money to both state and local governments to enable them to have sufficient money to invest in primary and secondary education.

“We also passed the law to make education compulsory for every Nigerian child, from primary to secondary schools”, he said.

Responding to the issue of zoning for the PDP presidential ticket, Atiku said that zoning was not jettisoned by the party.

On the issue of getting a running mate, he said that he would sit down with the party to agree on a running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

NAN

May 14, 2022
Sokoto: CAN demands justice for Deborah Samuel

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200 Level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, by some extremist fellow students on alleged blasphemy.

In a joint media briefing by CAN and CAN-Youth Wing, on Friday in Abuja, CAN’s General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, said that the unlawful and dastardly action of the perpetrators must be investigated.

Daramola said that the act should be condemned by all right thinking people and the security operatives should fish the perpetrators out and prosecute them.

“As long as the state fails to bring these beasts and criminals amidst us to book, the society will continue to be their killing fields.

“It is our expectation that the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, would ensure that the matter is not swept under the carpet, as it was done before,” he said.

Daramola said that CAN urged teachers and preachers of religious intolerance, extremism and terrorism to repent before the wrath of God descended on them, if the State fail to bring them to book.

“Such people are agents of death amidst people. CAN recalled the provocative and demeaning advertisement of the Sterling Bank, where the bank compared the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to “Agege bread”.

“Nobody was attacked and the CAN leadership accepted the apology tendered by its Chief Executive, Abubakar Suleiman,’’ he said.

Daramola said that CAN acknowledged and commended the restraint of Christian students of the College who refused to embrace self-help and reprisal on those who murdered their colleague.

He said that it was CAN’s prayers that those vampires in religious garments would not push the country to a religious war.

“Government and the security agencies should stop treating them with kid gloves. Enough is enough.

“CAN commiserates with the family of Deborah and other bereaved. May God console and comfort them in Jesus Name,’’ he said.

CAN’s Legal Director, Comfort Chigbue, said that justice ought to prevail, adding that Christians are law abiding citizens.

“We will wait to make sure the security agencies do the needful and ensure that this will be the last as necessary actions should be taken. We are sad, we are mourning in CAN,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Belusochukwu Enwere, the National Chairman, CAN Youth Wing, said the unlawful and dastardly action of the perpetrators must be condemned by all right-thinking people.

He said the Police, Department of Security Services, the Minister of Education must fish out the perpetrators of the act and prosecute them as it is expected.

“Deborah deserves nothing but justice and we believe in your capacity at enthroning justice in this case, by bringing the perpetrators to book.

“We acknowledge and commend the restraint of Christian students of the College who refused to retaliate in the face of provocation on those who murdered their colleague,’’ Enwere said.

He thanked the religious leaders in the country, such as the CAN President, Dr Samson Ayokunle, Bishop Hassan Kukah and the Sultan of Sokoto for condemning this heinous act.

May 14, 2022