The United States Department of State has honoured the slain Sokoto student, Deborah Samuel. Deborah, a 200 Level student of Home Economics at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was murdered by Islamic extremists and set ablaze over alleged blasphemy.
In marking the US International Day Commemorating the Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, on August 22, Deborah’s picture was uploaded on the website of the US Office of Religious Freedom.
The office promotes universal respect for freedom of religion or belief for all as a core objective of U.S. foreign policy.
The office also monitors religiously motivated abuses, harassment, and discrimination worldwide, and recommends, develops, and implements policies and programs to address such concerns.