Some churches in Oyo state on Sunday joined their Christian counterparts, to protest the death of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto state, who was lyncheda to death for alleged blasphemy.
It will be recalled that CAN in a statement signed by its president, Rev. Dr Samson Ayokunle recently directed churches and denominational leaders across the country, to observe a peaceful protest and pray for justice for the slain female student, on Sunday.
Accordingly, the peaceful protest led by the pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Oyo Province 3, Pastor Wale Ashonibare and his wife, Pastor (Dr) Priscilla Ashonibare; saw members of the church protesting within the church premises along Bembo-Apata road, singing, “The church is marching on, the gates of hell shall not prevail”, and carrying placards with different inscriptions such as — “let’s be our brothers’ keepers, let’s live together in peace, no killing in the name of God, don’t defend the in-defendable.”
Recall, an angry mob stoned Deborah to death and set her on fire on the campus of Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday, May 12.
The peaceful protest ended with prayers for peace, prosperity and progress of the body of Christ and for the nation.
Meanwhile, an Hausa Christian Foundation HACFO, which recently reached out to Deborah’s parents, reported that they were surprised the bereaved family members were the ones comforting others, telling them the consequences of their daughter’s death.
“The father was so excited that through this incidence many Muslims are coming to Christ even from Sokoto. He sees Deborah’s translation to Glory as a blessing. They see it as a rare privilege they live to thank God for”, HACFO noted.