A 24-hour curfew was on Saturday imposed on Sokoto capital of Sokoto State sequel to the killing of Deborah Yakubu, a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education.
Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State governor, who declared the curfew, said that it was in response to an approach to break down of law and order following the arrest of some people suspected to be involved in the gruesome murder by a mob of Deborah over alleged blasphemy on Thursday.
Her killing had sparked outrage and condemnation across the country, with Nigerians asking the government to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.
Subsequently, the police command in Sokoto State, announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killing.
But on Saturday morning, some Muslim youths in Sokoto took to the streets to protest against the arrest of the suspects.
Tambuwal had met with Muslim leaders in the state to discuss how to ensure the student’s murder does not elicit violent reprisals.
The youths asked the police to release the arrested suspects.
The protesters were armed with placards that read: “Release our Muslim brothers”, “Muslims Are Not Terrorists”, “Peaceful riot”.
Said Tambuwal: “Following the sad incident that happened at the Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday and sequel to development within the metropolis this morning, by the powers of section 176(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also section 15 of Sokoto state peace preservation law, I hereby declare, curfew within the Sokoto metropolis, for the next 24 hours.
“I appeal to the citizens of Sokoto State to kindly continue to observe law and order”.
Meanwhile, the school has been closed down pending the investigation of the incident.
Stated the Governor: “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”.
