Deborah Samuel, a second-year student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, was killed by a mob over blasphemy claims. Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbjo, has responded.
Osinabjo made the remarks immediately after arriving from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday evening.
He also complimented the Sultan of Sokoto and the Sokoto State Government for acting quickly in the aftermath of the incident.
“First, let me emphasize that the president has replied to this, in a statement published earlier criticizing the action,” Osinbajo added.
“It’s a really troubling event – such a terrible assassination of the young lady by a mob who took the law into their own hands; I think it’s very unfortunate.”
“The Sokoto State Government, as well as the Sultan of Sokoto, responded quickly and effectively.
“I believe their immediate response to the situation illustrates the fury of millions of Nigerians, as well as everyone’s desire to see the criminals captured and prosecuted as soon as possible.”
The Vice President went on to say that no one should take the law into their own hands, no matter what the provocation, because there are procedures in place to ensure that Nigerians can remedy any wrongs committed against them.
“We must extend our heartfelt condolences to Deborah Samuel’s family.
“I can’t image how her parents, siblings, and other family members feel, not just about her death, but also about the nature of it.”
“I believe it’s really terrible indeed,” he continued, “and we express our heartfelt condolences to them; we pray that the Almighty would console them at this time.”
