By Amos Tauna
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Police in Nigeria say, 12 persons have been killed in a religious riot that erupted Monday in Kasuwan Magani village of Kaduna State, northwest of the country.
Police spokesman in Kaduna, ASP Aliyu Mukhtar had on Monday confirmed a figure of 7 casualty to journalists, but on Tuesday Police Commissioner, Austin Anwar announced a new figure of 12 persons, and the arrest of 18 people in relation to the crisis.
Several houses were reportedly razed before the situation was brought under control by security operatives in the village located about 31 kilometres, south of Kaduna, the state capital.
The community had suffered a communal mayhem in 1980, as a result of disagreement on relocation of the village market.
An Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) had been moved to the area on Monday to ensure restoration of peace.
There are conflicting reports on the immediate cause of the mayhem – a report attributed the cause to the dating between Hausa Muslims and Christian girls, leading to forceful conversion to lslam.
Another version claimed that a Christian girl was abducted and converted to Islam and taken to the residence of a Muslim leader, from where the crisis got heated up. Yet another version claimed that Christian youths were moving around to beat up their girls suspected to be going out with Muslims in the area.
People’s Pulse
A business man in the area, Isiyaku Mohammed, said efforts should be made to ensure the return of normalcy in the area, adding that, “Nigerians should learn from the past crisis leading to the destruction of lives and property.
A resident of Kasuwan Magani, who spoke on condition of anonymity regretted the destruction of lives and property on an issue that could easily be resolved. He observed that it is a serious setback to the peaceful coexistence among residents of the area for the past 30 years.
He noted that Kasuwan Magani which has become a centre of economic activities in the north attracting people from all works of life, may lose its relevance due to insecurity and stressed the need for concerted efforts by government and stakeholders to ensure the situation is amicably resolved for the benefit of all.
A community leader suggested that government should engage the youth in meaningful ventures to avoid idleness that could be exploited against the unity, peace and development of the country.
Government Response
A team, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of Nigerian Army, the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the State Security Service on Tuesday had visited the village.
Samuel Aruwan, spokesman of Governor of Kaduna State, in a statement on Tuesday says, “The GOC tasked religious and traditional leaders to deepen the message of peace and integration, and tasked community leaders and residents not to undermine and destroy the four decades of togetherness and peaceful coexistence in the area. He assured community leaders, that security agencies will continue to work for lasting peace, law and order in the area.”
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austin Iwar, also briefed journalists, confirming the arrest of 18 persons. Iwar said that the police “have arrested 18 persons in connection with the unfortunate crisis. The 18 persons are undergoing interrogation and we are strengthening security presence in the area.”
He further says, “government of Kaduna State welcomes the news of arrests and urges prompt conclusion of investigations so that indicted persons can be prosecuted.”
Aruwan noted that the government has repeatedly urged “citizens not to resort self-help, but to report all complaints to the security agencies and the government. Peace-building requires that all parties choose to abide by the law.”
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2018/02/27/news/nigeria-police-refutes-withdrawal-of-personnel-from-operation-theatre-in-benue-state/
