5 Notable Opinions on Deborah Yakubu’s Death

There have been a series of opinions since some Muslim students burnt alive a Christian student, Deborah Yakubu, in Shehu Shagari College of Education (SSCOE), Sokoto State. She was accused of insulting Prophet Muhammed in their school’s WhatsApp group. This is one act too many which has caused outrage on social media.

Let us take a look at some notable opinions on the tragic incident so far.

We must be compassionate –Femi Fani-Kayode

Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, condemned the act. He also asked that humans should be compassionate. He posted on his Facebook page, “We cannot and must not tolerate the lynching of Christians, Muslims or members of any other religious faith in our streets…We must also put a stop to the targeting and murder of other ethnic nationalities.

“We are not a nation of animals but one of civilized human beings who must always be compassionate… when it comes to interacting with one another. May God guide, defend, and keep the peace of our people.”

Read Also: Sharif Aminu: The Need to Calm Down on Religious Intolerance

It is a criminal act -Bishop Matthew Kukah

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, said, “We condemn this incident in the strongest terms. I call on the authorities to investigate this tragedy and ensure that all the culprits are brought to book… This has nothing to do with religion. Christians have lived peacefully with their Muslim neighbors here in Sokoto over the years. This matter must be treated as a criminal act and the law must take its cause.”

Justice must prevail -Sultanate Council of Sokoto

In a statement released by Sa’idu Mohammadu Maccido, the Sokoto State Council secretary called for the offenders to be brought to book. The statement read, “The Sultanate Council has learnt with dismay the unfortunate incident at SSCOE that led to the loss of life of a female student of the institution. The Sultanate Council condemns the incident in its totality. Also, the perpetrators should be brought to justice.”

You can’t kill because of religion – Mr Macaroni

Activist and skit maker, Debo Adedayo, aka Mr Macaroni, tweeted, “Nothing justifies the beating and stoning that eventually led to killing and burning Deborah. This is not how to practice the religion of peace. And if there are people who genuinely believe that she deserved such; then, something has gone terribly wrong with our humanity.

“Every citizen has a right to life. No person or group of persons have the right to take the life of another citizen. You cannot kill another in the name of defending your religion. Do we all start killing ourselves in the name of religion? It is inhumane and it must end!”

The perpetrators must face the law -Catriona Laing

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing tweeted, “I condemn the murder of Deborah Samuel, and urge the police and relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators of this horrific act are made to face justice in line with the law.”

There is no justification for taking the life of another. Today, it is Deborah. Tomorrow, it can be another person if an end is not put to this wicked act. Hence, the onus lies on the government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.