Amnesty International has demanded immediate justice for slain Deborah Samuel, a student of a Sokoto college of education mobbed and burnt to death by irate Islamists on Thursday.

“Amnesty International Nigeria condemns the horrific lynching of a female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto on alleged blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed on 12 May 2022,” the statement said. “The lynching of the female student is deplorable, and authorities must ensure those responsible for her death are immediately arrested and brought to justice.” 

On Thursday, attackers in Sokoto set ablaze Ms Samuel, a Christian female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Wamako. Ms Samuel was accused of passing unflattering comments about Prophet Mohammed on campus.

A statement by Sokoto police spokesman Sanusi Abubakar said the mob overpowered campus security where Ms Samuels had fled for refuge before killing her and setting her remains on fire. Mr Sanusi said two suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the lynching.

“The Nigerian authorities must curtail the impunity that has led to an increase in mob violence and arrest all those involved in this reprehensible act. A prompt, thorough, independent, impartial and effective investigation must also be launched on all cases of mob killings,” said Osai Ojigho of the Amnesty International Nigeria office.