Specific examples of violations of rights in the reporting period
12 May 2022: A female Christian student at Shehu Shagari College of education in Sokoto State was murdered in cold blood on 12 May 2022 by classmates for a WhatsApp comment allegedly insulting Islam (BBC News, 14 May 2022). Although the mob-killing was condemned by some leading Muslims, riots broke out in Sokoto with armed Muslim protestors demanding the release of the two suspected ringleaders who were arrested by the police and charged with ‘criminal conspiracy and inciting of public disturbance’ (Sahara Reporters, 16 May 2022).
5 June 2022: An armed group burst into a Roman Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State, during a Pentecost Sunday service, killing worshippers over a period of 20-30 minutes with explosives and gunfire (BBC News, 6 June 2022). Later reports put the number of Christians killed at 40, with at least 60 wounded (Pulse NG, 23 June 2022).
Specific examples of positive developments
Positive developments listed in the WWL 2022 reporting period appeared less positive in the WWL 2023 reporting period.