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The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has condemned the killing of a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto. over alleged blasphemy.
Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level Home Economics Student of the institution, was burnt alive on Thursday morning.
Student burnt alive over blasphemy in Sokoto
The incident had triggered outrage on social media as many Nigerians condemned the act.
In a statement issued in Sokoto, Kukah said Muslims and Christians had lived together peacefully for a long time.
He described those behind the barbaric act as criminals.
“I have received with deep shock the news of the tragedy that has occurred in the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, leading to the gruesome murder of Ms. Deborah Yakubu, a 200 level Home Economics Student today.
“We condemn this incident in the strongest terms and call on the authorities to investigate this tragedy and ensure that all the culprits are brought to book.
The only obligation that is owed her immediate family, her fellow students and the school authorities is the assurance that those who are guilty of this inhuman act, no matter their motivation, are punished according to the extant laws of our land.
“This has nothing to do with Religion. Christians have lived peacefully with their Muslim neighbours here in Sokoto over the years. This matter must be treated as a criminal act and the law must take its cause,” he said
He however, called on all Christians in Sokoto and around to remain calm and pray for the repose of the soul of Ms. Deborah,saying, ” It is the first obligation we owe her.”
