- I didn’t ask Ndigbo in the North to return home – Onitsha monarch, Achebe
- Mob killed my daughter in the presence of security agents, says father
- Police declare suspects wanted
The Nigerian Bar Association has postponed its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) conference billed for May 22 to 26, 2022, in Sokoto State.
NBA President Olumide Akpata, who made this known in a statement, said the postponement was not only for the safety of the conferees and guests in the wake of the volatile security situation in the state, but also as a mark of respect for Deborah’s memory.
It took the decision following the recent gruesome killing of a Christian student, Deborah Yakubu, over alleged blasphemy and the volatile security situation in the state.
The statement reads: “The NBA is deeply worried, not just by the chilling news of the murder of Miss Yakubu, but also by the sudden and sad turn of events and the deteriorating security situation in Sokoto State.
“As such, having critically reviewed the current security condition in Sokoto, it has become apparent that we cannot guarantee the safety of our guest speakers, delegates and other stakeholders that have committed to attend the NBA-SPIDEL’s conference, which was designed to put the state in the global spotlight for the duration of the conference and beyond.
“Accordingly, the Executive Committee of NBA-SPIDEL came to the painful decision to request, and I have approved, that the 2022 NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference be postponed, not only for the safety of our conferees and guests, but as a mark of respect for the memory of the slain Miss Yakubu.”
NBA also called on the state government to demonstrate seriousness in prosecution of the alleged killers.
It said: “The government should immediately commence the prosecution of all suspects involved in these brutal and arbitrary killings, to send a strong signal that such acts will no longer be tolerated in Nigeria.”
It added: “The NBA also believes that the prompt and effective prosecution of the alleged killers will instil confidence in the citizens, promote accountability, and signpost the government’s commitment to the rule of law.”
ALSO, United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Muhammed, called for justice.
Muhammed reacted via her official Twitter page, yesterday, saying: “Justice must be done for the senseless, brutal killing of the young Deborah Yakubu in Nigeria. Religions should not be misinterpreted to preach violence when they promote peace. My prayers are with the family and for the repose of her soul.”
INTER-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also urged political, religious and traditional leaders to avoid making inflammatory statements over the killing.
National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, in a statement, yesterday, said Nigerians must avoid stoking the embers of anarchy. He also said the authorities must ensure all persons culpable are brought to book to serve as deterrent.
He said: “We are as well urging society’s opinion moulders not to resort to actions overtly or covertly or refuse to take action, that is, eerie silence that connotes a tacit support for violence.
“We are urging our youth, as leaders of tomorrow, to seriously desist from actions that are detrimental to the peace and tranquility of the country which puts in great peril the nation’s unity and progress.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday postponed indefinitely, its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) Conference scheduled for Sokoto between May 22 and 26, following the May 12 lynching of a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, Deborah.
Meanwhile, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has debunked reports that he called on every Igbo living in the North to return home immediately.
A section of the social media had alleged that the monarch asked Ndigbo to leave the North, following recent ugly incidents in the area, including the death of Deborah.
But Achebe, in a statement by his Chief of Staff, Ime Obi Onicha, Chinyeleugo Anionwu, titled: “Obi of Onitsha has not issued any statement regarding recent events in the northern part of the country”, described the report as fake, saying it should be disregarded.
Garba Emmanuel, father of the late Deborah, has narrated how his daughter was killed.
Garba, who witnessed the killing of his daughter, said the mob action took place despite the presence of over 100 security agents comprising the Police, NSDSC and DSS operatives.
Sokoto Police Command has declared wanted, the prime suspects linked to the killing of Deborah, for culpable homicide.
In a statement on Tuesday, the spokesman, ASP Sanusi Abubakar, said the suspects had been declared wanted for culpable homicide.
The command appealed to the public for cooperation with the police, saying they should report any mere identification to the command or any security outfit in their domain through its emergency number: 07068848035.
The Guardian/ The Nation
