*Harps on peaceful coexistence
By Myke Uzendu
Worried by the backlash of the cold blooded murder of Deborah Samuel, student of the College of Education, Sokoto, Sokoto State, the state governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Friday met with a broad spectrum of religious leaders in the state to deliberate on the ways to maintain peace and harmony among the citizens.
He also met with Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah among others.
The Governor had to cut short his various official engagements in Abuja, to rush to Sokoto in view of the importance of the various consultations.
Deborah Samuel, a student of College of Education, Sokoto, was killed on Thursday over alleged blasphemous statement against the holy Prophet Mohammed.
The Governor, according to a statement from the office of his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, has resolved to meet with all relevant bodies and groups to ensure that the peace, which Sokoto is known for is preserved.
According to the statement, “Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state, a while ago, met with a broad spectrum of Muslim leaders in the state at the Government House, Sokoto to deliberate on the way to maintain peace and harmony amongst its citizens of all religions that Sokoto is famous for following the killing of Deborah Samuel.
“It should be noted that Governor Tambuwal was billed to visit Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states Friday in continuation of his Presidential consultations, but had to cut short the visits for consultations with citizens and religious leaders to ensure security of lives and property of all residents of Sokoto State”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has condemned the killing of the female student.
He urged the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Bishop Kukah said the killing was inhuman and condemnable.
“I have just received with deep shock the news of the tragedy that occurred at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, leading to the gruesome murder of Ms Deborah Yakubu, a 200 level Home Economics student today,” the venerated cleric said.
“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 the 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.
“Meanwhile, I wish to call on all Christians in Sokoto and around to remain calm and to please pray for the repose of the soul of Ms Deborah.
“It is the first obligation that we owe her. May God grant her eternal rest and console her immediate family.”
