PHOTO: Late Deborah Samuel Honored In America Months After Horrific Death

The late Deborah Samuel, who was killed by angry youths over alleged blasphemy in Sokoto State, has been honored by the United States Government.

Naija News reports that the US Office of Religious Freedom, which is saddled with the responsibility of promoting universal respect for freedom of religion or belief, uploaded her photos on their website.

They further recognized the efforts of security operatives to prevent her death by the extremists.

“In May, a mob brutally stoned, flogged, and burned to death college student Deborah Samuel in Nigeria, in an attack fueled by hatred and blasphemy allegations, even as authorities attempted to stop it.

“We honor her life as we continue the work to end such vicious violence,” the office stated on its website.

The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large, Rashad Hussain, who heads the office, in a tweet spoke about the violence alot of people around the world  face violence based on their religion or belief.

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, stated that failure to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief threatens the enjoyment of this right for all.

“May this day offer assurance to those suffering for their beliefs that the United States and likeminded partners have not forgotten or forsaken you,” he said.

On August 22, the US marked its fourth annual International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.