Slain Sokoto student Deborah Samuel buried in Niger

Shehu Shagari College of Education student Deborah killed for Blasphemy

The remains of Deborah Samuel, who was set ablaze in Sokoto last Thursday over alleged blasphemy, have been buried at the Christian cemetery in Tunga Magaiya, Niger State.

Ms Samuel was buried on Saturday in her hometown, Tunga Magajiya, in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

Her uncle, who is a pastor in the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Tunga Magajiya, Emmanuel Maaji, led the prayers at the cemetery before she was laid to rest.

Samuel was burnt to death in Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.

“The family is insisting that late Deborah Samuel be buried today because they are not happy with the way the government is handling the issue,” Maaaji said.

He added that the late Samuel’s mother “has been unconscious since she heard the news on Thursday, which led to a rise in her blood pressure while the father has been inconsolable.”

The clergyman noted that “the government called and said that it is not right for the family to take the body in that manner without informing the government of Sokoto State.

“The Sokoto State government told the family that Deborah’s body belongs to the government and not the family.”