FIDA Nigeria Vehemently Condemns the Killing of Deborah Yakubu A Student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto

A truly sad day when another young person is killed publicly in her prime through extra-judicial means

As a nation we must respect and value human life, FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the reported gruesome killing and burning of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria.

Reports suggest that she was violently stoned to death and later set ablaze by the angry mob, who are mostly students of the college because of her beliefs. FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns this condemnable Act.

Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), 1999, provides that “every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offense of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria”.

Furthermore, Section 38(1) of the Constitution makes provision for the citizen’s ‘freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.’

FIDA loudly calls for urgent action to investigate this deplorable incident and to hold those responsible to account. We must work together to ensure that all offenders are brought to justice and adequately punished in line with our laws, so it serves as a deterrent to others.

Government must as part of its responsibilities carry out aggressive advocacy and sensitization programs to educate the society about these rights and freedoms every Nigerian is entitled to enjoy, stressing respect for individual rights, cooperation, understanding, and tolerance

FIDA sincerely commiserates with the family of Ms. Deborah.

FIDA Nigeria remains committed to the promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights of women and children in Nigeria. We exercise our mandate through the provision of free legal representation for indigent women and children and also by advocating for gender-friendly reforms of the law.

JusticeForDeborah

Signed:

Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria