Deborah Yakubu – Sultan’s Palace Under Siege By Protesters

While Nigerians are still trying to come to terms with the brutal killing of Deborah Yakubu over alleged blasphemy, the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, has come under siege.

Protesters have laid siege to the palace throwing stones and threatening to burn it, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Protesters, majorly youths have also taken over the streets, chanting songs and urging security agents to release the arrested persons.

The protesters burnt tyres on popular Ahmadu Bello Way, Emir Yahaya road, Kanwuri and other streets, forcing shop owners to close midday while most streets became empty.

A combined team of security men, led by State’s Police Commissioner, Mr Kamaludden Okunlola were deployed to the palace of the Sultan of Sultan to contain the situation.

Also, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal had in a broadcast, called on the  people to remain indoor as security operatives were being deployed to safeguard lives and properties.

The protests were caused by an alleged religious blasphemy made by a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, against Islamic religion through a social media channel.

– Deborah Yakubu 2

The student, Deborah Yakubu, was killed in a mob outrage during students’ unrest, but the  state government immediately closed down the school while police announced the arrest of two persons in connection with the incident.

” By the powers conferred on me by sections 176(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and sections 1 and 4 of the Public Order Act; and, also Section 15 of Sokoto State Peace Preservation Law, I hereby declare, with immediate effect, a curfew within (Sokoto) metropolis for the next 24 hours,” Tambuwal declared.

He further appealed to the people of the state to kindly continue to observe law and order and calm down the restiveness currently pervading in the metropolis.

” Everyone should please, in the interest of peace, go back home and observe this measures, to reestablish peace, law and order in the state.

– Deborah Yakubu3

” It is not in the interest of anyone for us to have a breakdown of law and order. I, therefore, appeal for restraint and, for people to observe and respect the rule of law .”

A NAN Correspondent who went round the streets reports that groups of youths have taken over the streets, chanting songs and urging security agents to release the arrested persons.

The protesters burnt tyres on popular Ahmadu Bello Way, Emir Yahaya road, Kanwuri and other streets, forcing shop owners to close midday while most streets became empty.