The Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has directed the prosecution of all persons responsible for the Monday mayhem that occurred in Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru local government area.
The government said that security agencies must investigate this unfortunate incident, arrest and make available for prosecution the perpetrators.
Nine persons have been allegedly killed in the fresh violence.
The Kasuwan Magani, a commercial town I’m Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State, is about 36km away from Kaduna metropolis.
We gathered that about 20 persons sustains various degrees of injuries in the fracas between Christian and Moslems youth over alleged religious intolerance.
Properties worth million of naira including vehicles were said to be been burnt down by the rioting youth.
The cause of the clash, we understands followed misunderstanding between Christian and Muslim youth over alleged conversation of two Christian girls into Islam.
Residents of the area, Ahmadu Dogo and Jummai told our correspondent that attempt by Christian and Moslem youth to stop their girls from dating and converting them into both religion was the major cause of the violence.
They said, nine people were killed during fracas with so many people injured and properties burnt down.
The Sole Administrator of the local government, Aminu Rabiu who corroborated, said “disagreement among the Christian and Moslems youth led to loss of lives, properties and peace in the area.”
He said, the quick response of the security agencies help in restoring normalcy.
“We have already evacuated the injured persons to the hospital and they are responding to treatment,” he said while appealing for resident to embrace the culture of living in Peace.
Confirming, the Spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mr. Murkhtar Aliyu said, the Police Personnels were immediately drafted to restore peace upon receiving a distress call.
“Yes, there are casualties, but I cannot ascertain the number of the casualties at a moment. But I can assure you, peace have been restored to the area,” he said.
Samuel Aruwan, Governor El-Rufai’s spokesperson disclosed this in a statement issued in Kaduna, shortly after receiving preliminary report of the mayhem.
Aruwan explained that the government condemns the violence, and regrets the wanton shattering of lives. He further disclosed that the government has expressed its sympathy to the victims and their families.
According to Aruwan, the government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take inventory of damages and provide relief materials with immediate effect.
The statement added that security forces have been deployed to contain the situation, protect lives and properties and to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
The statement added that the government urges all citizens and communities to reject violence and division, and uphold their neighbours in peace and harmony.
