Following the violent protests that rocked the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level Christian student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state.
The governor said the decision to impose the curfew was done in a bid to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
According to him, the pronouncement is in accordance with the provisions of the 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.
The statement reads, “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.
“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 these measures, with a view of the reestablishment 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 New Diplomat had reported that Deborah was beaten to death and set ablaze by her colleagues. The students, believed to be Muslim faithfuls were said to be enraged over alleged blasphemous language used by Deborah on their WhatsApp group chat.
Subsequently, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Sokoto state Command, confirmed that it has arrested two persons alleged to be involved in the gruesome killing of Deborah.
With the arrests, some placard-carrying Muslim youths stormed the streets of Sokoto, early Saturday demanding the release of two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Deborah.
