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As a global fellowship of churches committed to inter-religious dialogue and relations, to promoting social cohesion, and to the elimination of gender-based violence, the World Council of Churches is appalled the brutal murder of Deborah Yakubu, a second year college student beaten to death and burnt by a group of her fellow students in Sokoto, northern Nigeria.
Ms Yakubu, a Christian, was attacked by a group of male Muslim students after being accused of blasphemy following a comment she posted on a WhatsApp message group for students at her college.
The WCC strongly supports the calls of Nigeria Christian leaders, the Sultan of Sokoto and many other religious and community leaders in Nigeria for the perpetrators of this atrocity to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Such religious extremist violence cannot be condoned or tolerated by anyone, let alone by any leaders of religious communities.
We appeal for justice for Deborah, and call upon the government and authorities of Nigeria to ensure that it is delivered. And we pray for the condolence of Deborah’s grieving family and community.
