US hails Nigerian killed over 'blasphemous' voice note

The US has hailed Deborah Samuel, a Christian second-year student killed in the northern Nigerian city of Sokoto in May for alleged blasphemy.

A mob of classmates beat her to death after accusing her of insulting Islam in a voice note she had shared on WhatsApp.

Samuel was recognised on Monday during the marking of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

"We honour her life as we continue the work to end such vicious violence," Ambassador Rashad Hussain tweeted.

The killing sparked a social media storm between some Muslims and Christians in the country, with each side accusing the other of intolerance and extremism.

A peaceful protest in Sokoto turned violent, with demands for the release of the suspected killers.

The state government imposed a 24-hour curfew to regain peace in the state.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Twitter