PEACE RESTORED TO KADUNA COMMUNITY

EL-RUFAI

BREAKING: Residents of Kasuwan Magaini in Kaduna state where violence erupted on Monday afternoon have heaved a sigh of relief folowing the restoration of peace by men of the Joint Military Task Force.

News of the alleged forceful conversion of some girls by a religious group had sparked an.outrage which resulted in clashes by armed youths which lead to destruction of properties.



Residents including travellers had to run helter skelter as angry youths engaged themselves in a violent clash in the popular sleepy market commuity of  Kasuwan Magani, in the Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

Kasuwan Magani, which is on the major highway linking Kaduna state to Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states, is about 45 minutes drive from the city metropolis.

Sources from the area reports that many houses were reportedly set ablaze by the clashing groups as motorists made frantic efforts to avoid the area.

Although, details of the violence are still sketchy, NAIJ NEWS ALERT sources revealed that the violence had to do with the alleged abduction and forceful conversion of some girls but this could not be verified as at the time of filing this report.

Efforts to reach the Police Spokesman failed as calls to his lines went unanswered.

The Kaduna State Governent through the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan disclosed that His Excellency has directed for the prosecution of all persons responsible for the  mayhem in the area.

Aruwan, in a statement issued, said the Governor has directed that; "security agencies must investigate the unfortunate incident, arrest and make available for prosecution, the perpetrators".

The Governor's spokesman made this known while addressing media practitioners shortly after the state Governor received preliminary report of the mayhem.

"The government condemns the violence and regrets the wanton destruction of lives and properties in the community".

Accordingly, "the government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA to take inventory of damages and provide relief materials with immediate effect".

"Security personnel have been deployed to contain the situation, protect lives and properties and to prevent any further breakdown of law and order", he said

"Government urges all citizens and communities to reject violence and division, and uphold their neighbours in peace and harmony", the statement concluded.