Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) recently shared a picture of Deborah Emmanuel’s family on his X handle, offering the public a glimpse into how they are currently faring. From the images, it is evident that the family is doing well.
For context, Deborah Emmanuel (also known as Deborah Samuel) was a 22-year-old Christian student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto. In May 2022, she was brutally murdered by a mob of Muslim students over allegations of blasphemy. The attack was sparked after Deborah expressed frustration over religious posts in a class WhatsApp group, which led to accusations of insulting Prophet Mohammed.
This renewed attention on Deborah’s family serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of that tragic event.”
According to the epoch times, despite the presence of over 50 uniformed police officers and Department of State Security (DSS) personnel, no decisive action was taken to protect her. Efforts by classmates and security personnel to save her failed, and she was tragically beaten and stoned to death. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and condemnation from human rights advocates, who criticized the police’s inaction and highlighted the growing Islamist extremism in northern Nigeria. Although Sokoto authorities condemned the act and two suspects were arrested, with no detail about their prosecution up till now.
In a smart move to prevent a potential religious crisis in Nigeria, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) intervened by relocating Deborah’s family to Port Harcourt. Demonstrating compassion and support, Apostle Chibuzor established a new life for the grieving family. He opened a restaurant business for Deborah’s mother, gifted her father a car to operate an Uber service, and provided the family with ownership of a 14-flat estate.
Deborah’s siblings were also enrolled in one of OPM’s 37 free schools in Port Harcourt, ensuring their continued education. Emphasizing the Christian doctrine of love, Apostle Chibuzor shared photos of Deborah’s family on his X handle, reflecting his commitment to supporting those in need. The photos showcased the family’s new home and thriving business, symbolizing hope and healing after their tragic loss.
Deborah’s death remains a tragic reminder of the deep-rooted religious tensions in Nigeria. On May 12, 2022, after being accused of blasphemy, Deborah was attacked by a mob of about 180 protestors on her college campus. Despite seeking refuge and calling her father for help, she was overpowered by the violent crowd. Locked briefly in a gatehouse for protection, she was ultimately dragged out, beaten with sticks, and stoned to death while security forces failed to intervene.
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The Sokoto state governor and the Sultan of Sokoto condemned the killing. However, the family received no formal apology or compensation from the college, sultan of Sokoto or police known to the public yet. Deborah’s murder not only exposed failures in Nigeria’s security apparatus but also highlighted the urgent need for religious tolerance and stronger protections for vulnerable individuals.
