As a measure towards ensuring peace and stability in Sokoto, following reactions over the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel over allegation of blasphemy, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has declared 24 hours curfew in the state with immediate effect.
Tambuwal, who made the declaration in a statement made available to Theideal on Saturday, further appealed for calm, saying that breakdown of law and orders will not confer advantage on anybody.
The statement reads in part, “A text of curfew declaration statement by Governor Aminu Tambuwal today May 13, 2022, on the restoration of law and order in the state, following students unrest that led to the killing of Miss Deborah Emmanuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto).
“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 1999 Constitution (as amended) 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 this 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”.
Theideal recalls that Miss Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education (SSCOE), was within the week gruesomely murdered and set ablaze in the school over allegation of blasphemy against Prophet Mohamed (SAW).
But the incident has been criticized by both the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) MURIC while the infamous act generated global condemnations.
Security agencies in the State were said to have apprehended some of the pepertrators of the heinous crime.
But the development did not go well with certain people who are now demonstrating in Sokoto metropolis, asking for the release of the suspects.
It was further gathered that a leaflet was circulated, asking the protesters to assemble at the Gawon Mama area of the metropolis at about 9am on Saturday morning and begin protest, requesting for the release of the suspects arrested over the killing ofDeborah.
The protesters actually assembled at the planned venue but were dispersed by security agencies. Shortly after that, another group initiated protest along Bello Way within the metropolis which houses many churches, Emir Yahaya and Sahara that are part of the commercial nerve centers of Sokoto town.
At the time of filing this report, security agencies were seen patrolling the State to ensure peace and stabltiy as well as ensure compliance with the 24 hours curfew imposed by Governor Tambuwal.
