The State of Emergency GBV movement, a gender equality advocacy group, has demanded an immediate punishment for the killers of Deborah Samuel, a female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who was burnt to death for blasphemy by an irate mob on Thursday.

In a press release made available to FIJ, the movement called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the student’s gruesome murder, whose faces were clearly shown in a video circulating online.

READ ALSO: From Isioma to Deborah, 5 Nigerians Who Paid a Price for ‘Blaspheming’ the Prophet of Islam

“The actions of these individuals are barbaric, despicable, and criminal; a gruesome murder by a vicious group of students using religion to justify killing and criminal acts. The constitution upholds the right to life and mandates all citizens to respect the rights and dignity of others. The constitution does not recognise blasphemy, and Nigeria’s laws are clear on murder,” the statement reads in part.

“Any person who feels their right to freedom of religion and belief has been or is being violated is expected by law to seek redress from the courts and not resort to jungle justice. Allowing this injustice by a depraved criminal mob to go without prosecution and punishment will enable anarchy in our system and further shred the fabric of our humanity as Nigerians.

“We, therefore, call on law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, whose faces are identifiable in the now viral gruesome video. We also call for further investigation to identify accomplices in the murder for immediate prosecution. Swift and commensurate justice must be served to deter future occurrences of this heinous crime.”

READ ALSO: Female Student Killed in Sokoto, Her Remains Burned to Ashes for Blaspheming Prophet Muhammad

The group also advocated for the provision of adequate security to ensure the safety of women and girls in higher institutions. It said Deborah’s murder is one example of the many dangers the female gender faces in hostile environments.

“Deborah’s death is one too many amidst the depravity of uncontrolled banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and insecurity ravaging the country. We call on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Governors Forum, and Nigeria’s security agencies to be loud and unambiguous in their condemnation of this gruesome murder and to guarantee a swift investigation and delivery of justice for Deborah and her loved ones,” the statement further reads.