Deborah’s murder: Tambuwal imposes curfew as protest rocks Sokoto over students’ arrest

Sokoto State Government has imposed a 24-curfew to following protest by some Muslim youths in the state capital over the arrest of some students in connection with the murder of Deborah Yakubu.

The state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal made the announcement in Sokoto.

Media aide to the governor, Muhammad Bello, said Tambuwal gave the directive “in pursuance of peace and order in Sokoto metropolis and the entire state.”

Tambuwal called on the residents to remain calm and avoid anything that could breach law and order in the state.

Some Muslims youths had staged a protest in Sokoto, demanding the immediate release of some students arrested in connection with the murder of Deborah Yakubu, who was a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education for alleged blasphemy.

The youth from different parts of Sokoto took to the streets and strategic places such as Sokoto Government House and Sultan’s Palace.

Witnesses said the protesters moved on the streets of Sokoto chanting “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar” (God is great, God is great!) with placards conveying similar messages.

The protest took off from Zabira mall roundabout and marched through Gao-nama onwards flyover within the seat of the caliphate.

A combined team of security operatives including soldiers from the 8 Division, Police, DSS, and NSCDC were closely monitoring the protest to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

Deborah was killed by angry mob on alleged insult to the Prophet Muhammad.

The Sokoto State Police Command, in a statement on Friday, said two suspects were arrested in connection with the murder.

Witnesses in Sokoto said some angry youths among the protesters burnt tyres on the streets and threw stones at the Sultan’s Palace.

It would be recalled that the Sultanate Council condemned the killing and urged security operatives to apprehend the perpetrators.