Kaduna imposes 24- hour curfew as Buhari condemned communal violence in Kaduna

Following the crisis the erupted at Kasuwan Magani on Friday with a rumour of reprisal attack early on Sunday, the Kaduna State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state’s capital and its environs.

This was announced in a short statement by Governor Nasir el-Rufai, on his verified twitter handle.

“This is a notice of a 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna town and environs, with immediate effect. Residents are advised to comply by this directive. The decision has been taken in the best interest of the state,” el-Rufai tweeted.

Governor el-Rufai’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, also confirmed the curfew imposed on the state.

“24 hours curfew has been imposed on Kaduna town and environs. It is with immediate effect‎,” Aruwan wrote on his Facebook page Sunday evening.

At least 55 people were confirmed killed in the Kasuwar Magani violence that had a religious undertone. The Kaduna State Government had on Friday imposed a 24 hours curfew on Kasuwar Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area following the violence.

Many residents of Kaduna metropolis on Sunday rushed indoors as irate youths burnt old tyres along Katsina road, Ibrahim Taiwo road, and Lagos Street and Ahmadu Bello way.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the latest communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State which claimed 55 lives.

Reacting to the violent clashes, Buhari said that the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully, is worrisome.

According to the President, “No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” adding that “peaceful co-existence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.”

He noted that without communal harmony, the environment for the conduct of “our everyday businesses would be impossible to achieve.”

The President explained that “violence cannot be an alternative to peace. On the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity.”

In commending the Kaduna State government for its rapid response to the crisis, the President appealed to community leaders to engage in regular dialogue to nip imminent crises in the bud, while admonishing the people to develop the spirit of tolerance and patience at all times.

The crisis was sparked by some youths in the area.