Osinbajo: Deborah’s death deeply distressing, very unfortunate

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has described the death of Debora Emmanuel over an allegation of blasphemy as deeply distressing and very unfortunate. 

Osinbajo said this on Friday at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival from Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

The student was reportedly attacked and killed over comments said to be considered an insult to Prophet Mohammed.

A video of the student being stoned and beaten surfaced on social media on Thursday afternoon and the incident was said to have occurred earlier on the same day.

Before her death, Debora was a second-year student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto. 

The vice president said it is worthy of note that President Muhammadu Buhari and the Sultan of Sokoto had condemned the incident.

“Let me say that, first, the president has reacted to this, in a statement which was issued earlier condemning the action,” he said.

“I must say that it’s a deeply distressing thing, very disturbing — such an atrocious killing of the young lady by a mob who took the law into their own hands; I think it’s very unfortunate.

“The swift reaction of the Sokoto state government and also the Sultan of Sokoto is highly commendable.

“I think that their swift reaction to the situation clearly demonstrates the outrage of millions of Nigerians and also the desire of everyone to ensure that the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and prosecuted.”

Osinbajo said there is no justification for extra-judicial killing as there are legal channels to address any misdeed.

He condoled with the deceased’s family and prayed to God to comfort those she left behind.

“As the president said, there’s really no excuse for anyone to take the law into their own hands no matter the provocation, there are set processes for ensuring that we are able to redress whatever wrongs that are done against us,” he added.

“We must express our condolence to the family of the young lady, Deborah Samuel.

“I can’t imagine how her parents and siblings and members of her family feel, not just about her death, but the very horrendous nature of its occurrence.

“I think it’s very sad indeed, and we extend our sincere condolences to them; we ask that the Almighty will comfort them at this time.”