Deborah: Buhari orders probe, says violence does not solve problems

Deborah Samuel...burnt by mob over alleged blasphemy at Shehu Shagari College of Educatio, Sokoto

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing of a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, Deborah Samuel, following an allegation that she had blasphemed Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Buhari made his feelings known in a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Friday.

The President said the news of the killing of the young lady by fellow students was a matter of concern, adding that the case demands an impartial, extensive probe into all that happened before and during the incident.

He noted that Muslims all over the world demand respect for the Holy Prophets, including Isah (Alaihissalaam, Jesus Christ) and Muhammad (SAW) “but where transgressions occur, as alleged to be the case in this instance, the law does not allow anyone to take matters into their hands.

“Moreover, religious leaders preach that it is not for the believer to judge the actions of another person.

“The constituted authority must be allowed to deal with such matters when they arise.

“No person has the right to take the law in his or her own hands in this country. Violence has and never will solve any problem,” Buhari said.

The President further directed the Ministries of Information and Culture, Police Affairs, and Communications and Digital Economy to work with GSM providers and Technology companies to help contain the spread of false and inflammatory information through social media.

Buhari, however, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased student and wished all those injured a quick recovery.

He commended the immediate response to the incident by the Sokoto State Government and urged religious and community leaders to call citizens’ attention to the need to exercise the right to freedom of speech responsibly.

The Star