A 25-year-old Christian student at the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto state, Nigeria, was killed by a mob on May 12th after rumours spread that she had blasphemed against Mohammed on a WhatsApp group chat. The precise nature of her comments is unclear, but it appears that the problem started when Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu expressed exasperation at religious posts being shared by her classmates, asking that the others focus on issues related to their course work. Apparently, Deborah also rejected advances from one of the other students, who later made the blasphemy accusation.
According to media reports, a mob gathered and forcefully dragged Deborah from her residence. Once outside, she was beaten, stoned to death, and then her body was burned. A video of the attack was released on social media in which one young man can be heard proudly proclaiming: "I'm the one that killed her and set her ablaze. This is the matchstick I used in setting her on fire." The video earlier showed numerous students beating her and shouting "Allahu Akbar" while the young Christian pleaded for her life.
The two primary instigators of the attack, students Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci, were arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy and disturbing the peace. Protesting their arrests, a mob of militants erupted into violence which resulted in fires being started, numerous businesses looted, and multiple church buildings damaged. The Sultan of Sokoto, who is considered the leader of Nigeria's Muslim community, condemned the killing and called for justice. However, his statement then led to demonstrations outside his palace, which police were forced to disperse. Response from political leaders has been minimal. For more information addressing our ongoing concerns for Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.
Pray for peace and justice to take place in the aftermath of this horrific situation. May God's comforting presence be tangibly experienced by Deborah's friends, family members and fellow students during this time of mourning. Ask the Lord to powerfully minister by His Holy Spirit in this volatile area of Nigeria, touching the hearts of both Christians and Muslims so they will dwell together in harmony – all the while revealing His wonderful plan of eternal salvation to those who are in need spiritually. May our Nigerian Christian brothers and sisters continue to be testimonies of His love, forgiveness and hope to others around them.
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