President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the heinous murder of Deborah Samuel, a second-year student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, by a mob.
On Thursday, she was accused of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Prophet of Islam.
However, in response to the incident, President Buhari stated that the news of the young lady’s murder by fellow students was concerning and demanded an impartial, thorough investigation into everything that occurred prior to and during the incident.
The President stated that Muslims all over the world demand respect for the Holy Prophets, including Isah (Alaihissalam, Jesus Christ) and Muhammad (SAW), but when transgressions occur, as is alleged in this case, the law prohibits anyone from intervening.
Furthermore, religious leaders preach that it is not for the believer to pass judgment on the actions of others. When such issues arise, the established authority must be given the authority to deal with them.
“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,” said the President.
President Buhari has also directed the Ministries of Information and Culture, Police Affairs, and Communications and Digital Economy to collaborate with GSM providers and technology companies to combat the spread of false and inflammatory information on social media.
The President expressed the nation’s condolences to the deceased student’s family and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured. He praised the government’s prompt response to the incident and urged religious and community leaders to educate citizens about the importance of exercising their right to free expression responsibly.
While the investigation is ongoing, he has called for tainted media comments and general public calm.