Deborah: Tambuwal declares 24-hour curfew as rampaging youths demand release of suspects

The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Saturday afternoon, declared a 24-hour curfew in the state metropolis after protest over the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel continue to rock the city.

The governor said the directive was issued “in pursuance of peace and order in Sokoto metropolis and the entire state.”

Violent outbreaks have been reported across Sokoto on Saturday amidst protests for the release of those responsible for Thursday’s killing of Miss Samuel.

Major streets such as Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano Road, where banks are located and Emir Yahaya Road, in the early hours of the day, were deserted with business places and shops closed.

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However, attempts by the protesters to attack the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, was resisted by security men on ground.

Unperturbed with the presence of security personnel in some strategic areas within the state capital, the protesters in their large numbers stormed Ahmadu Bello Way church line, where Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, ECWA and C&S churches are located.

Attempts by the protesters to set the St. Mary Catholic Church ablaze was also resisted by armed security personnel drafted to the area, who fired several canisters of teargas to disperse the irate protesters.

Miss Samuel, a 200-level home economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, was killed at about 9:00 a.m. for allegedly criticizing Prophet Muhammad.

Her killing has sparked nationwide outrage, with political and religious leaders demanding urgent arrest and prosecution of all suspects.