Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal has declared a 24-hour curfew within the metropolis to forestall civil unrest over the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education.
Deborah was killed on Thursday, May 12, following an allegation that she had blasphemed Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
This might be connected with reports that some Muslim youths in Sokoto State, Saturuay, May 14, filed out in their numbers demanding the release of the two suspects arrested by the police in connection with the murder of Deborah.
Armed with placards, the protesting youths were seen shouting “Allahu Akbar” translated in English as ‘God is great’.
The curfew, according to the governor, has become necessary as the only option left for the government to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.
Read also: Anger over murder of Sokoto student for alleged blasphemy
“Following the sad incident that happened at the Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday and sequel to the developments within (Sokoto) metropolis this morning till afternoon, by the powers conferred on me by Sections 176(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Section 1 and 4 of the Public Order Act, and also Section 15 of Sokoto State Peace Preservation Law, I hereby declare, with immediate effect, a curfew within (Sokoto) metropolis of Sokoto township for the next 24 hours,” he said.
I appeal to the good people of Sokoto state to kindly continue to observe law and order and calm down (on the) restiveness currently pervading in the metropolis. Everyone should, please, in the interest of peace go back home and observe this measure with a view to the re-establishment of peace, law, and order in the state.
It is not in the interest of anyone for us to have a breakdown of law and order. I, therefore, appeal for restraint and, for people to observe and respect the rule of law,” the governor said.
