BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed distress and shock at the killing of a female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Deborah Samuel over allegations of blasphemy.
Accordingly, he said; “There’s really no excuse for anyone or people to take the law into their own hands no matter the provocation”, adding; “There are set processes for ensuring that we are able to redress whatever wrongs that are done against us.”
The Vice President, who aligned himself with the statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on the incident, told journalists on Friday; “Let me say that first, the President has reacted to this, in a statement which was issued earlier condemning the action. I must say that it’s a deeply distressing thing, very disturbing – such an atrocious killing of the young lady by a mob who took the law into their own hands. It’s very unfortunate.”
Prof Osinbajo also acknowledged as ‘highly commendable’ the swift reaction of the Sokoto State Government and the Sultan of Sokoto, saying: “I think that their swift reaction to the situation clearly demonstrated the outrage of millions of Nigerians and also demonstrated the desire of everyone to ensure that the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and prosecuted.”
However, while maintaining that “This violent conduct in the historical city of Sokoto a citadel of Islamic knowledge, learning and peace is despicable and condemnable”, Osinbajo added; “Like the President has said, there must be an impartial, extensive probe into all that happened before and during the incident. Afterward, there should be a prompt prosecution of all those found to be involved in line with the course of natural justice and the rule of law.”
In extending his heartfelt condolences to the family and relatives of the young Deborah, Vice President Osinbajo said; “I can’t imagine how her parents and siblings and members of her family feel, not just about her death, but the very horrendous nature of its occurrence.
“I think it’s very sad indeed, and we extend our sincere condolences to them. We ask that the Almighty will comfort them at this time.”
He, therefore, pleaded that the season calls for “more tolerance among our diverse people and communities even as the government continues to enforce law and order and protect the lives of all citizens.”
