KADUNA: El-Rufai calls for calm as unrest leaves 5 dead

Five persons are feared dead with many others said to have sustained injuries, following Monday’s unrest in Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Kasuwan Magani is 36 kilometres away from Kaduna metropolis and is a gateway to the southern part of the state, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states.

Worship places and shops were said to have been burnt during the incident.

The Sole Administrator of the LG, Aminu Rabiu, said the crisis was caused by a disagreement between Muslim and Christian youths.

“We have already evacuated the injured persons to the hospital and they are responding to treatment,” he added.

The police, while confirming that there was tension in Kasuwan Magani, about 30 kilometres away from the city centre, however said that the number of deaths could not be immediately ascertained.

The State Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Mukhtar, said a detachment of policemen has been deployed to the area on the instructions of the state commissioner of police.

He also said that no arrest had been made and noted that the cost of property damaged during the fracas had yet to be collated.

Meanwhile, Governor Nasir el-Rufai  condemned the attack and vowed to have the perpetrators prosecuted.

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El-Rufai, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, directed the prosecution of all persons responsible for the mayhem.

El-Rufai said security agencies must investigate the incident, arrest and make available for prosecution the perpetrators.

He condemned the violence, and expressed regrets about the lives lost, just as he expressed sympathy for victims’ families.

“The government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take inventory of damages and provide relief materials with immediate effect.

“Security forces have been deployed to contain the situation, protect lives and properties and to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

“The government urges all citizens and communities to reject violence and division, and uphold their neighbours in peace and harmony.”

 

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