Kukah codemns killing of student in Sokoto, demands justice

By Akinwande Soji-Ojo

The Catholic Bishop of Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, has described the gruesome murder of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, as criminal.

The revered cleric, in a statement he personally signed, tasked authorities at all levels to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served on the matter.

Yakubu was mauled, killed and burnt on Thursday by a mob of Muslim youths who accused her of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.

The young lady’s killers posted videos of their action on social media, which attracted wide spread outrage and condemnation from Nigerians.

Reacting in a statement, Kukah said the perpetrators no matter their motive must be punished.

“We condemn this incident in the strongest term 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 our land.

“This has nothing to do with religion. Christians have lived peacefully with their Muslim brothers here in Sokoto over the years.

“This matter must be treated as a criminal act and the law must take its cause,” the statement read.

However, the Sokoto State Police Command said two suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the killing of the student.