By Haruna Salami
The discovery of a corpse at Ungwan Katsit, behind the Emir of Jama’a’s palace in Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area of Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, on Tuesday has led to riots in the southern part of the state and tension in Kaduna metropolis that has been under intense security pressure.
Sharpedgenews findings could not find out what led to the death of the deceased at the time of filing this report, but when newsmen contacted the State commissioner of police, Ballah Magaji Nassarawa through telephone, he simply said, “I can’t tell you anything now because we are still investigating the fact of the matter.”
However, by Wednesday afternoon, it was further learnt that youth in the area set bonfire on major streets in Kafanchan, smashing vehicles at sight, just as people were said to be scampering for safety.
It was also gathered that security men, including soldiers on guard at specific places in the town ran away for cover, and resurfaced few minutes later to engage the rampaging youth, just as heavy gun shots were said to have rent the air.
Also, report added that roads leading to Kagoro and Kwoi towns from Kafanchan were heavily barricaded by the rioting youth, stopping people from going in and coming out of the crisis ridden town, particularly people who resumed offices Wednesday after the Sallah holidays were said to have been trapped in their offices.
Although the Emir’s palace was heavily guarded by soldiers and policemen, rioting youth were seen trying to attack the palace from behind.
Only last Friday, unknown gunmen attacked a Church in Tabak village, near Zonkwa town in Zangon Kataf local government area in the same southern part of Kaduna State during a night vigil, killing two persons and injured 11 others.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Yakowa on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters) Reverend Joseph John Hayab, has in a press statement Wednesday appealed to citizens of the state to remain calm.
“Peace is pivotal to the development, unity and progress of any given society, what we have achieved with peace cannot be equated with the loss of our dear state and Northern region at large has lost to violence. It is important for our people to note that we are facing critical challenges to our coexistence as a people irrespective of tribal or religious difference, hence we must strive harder and restore our glorious days.
“Peace is vital and crucial at this moment, His Excellency further wishes to appeal to all religious leaders, youth leaders, women leaders and all other stakeholders to continue working assiduously towards the sustenance of peace and harmony in our dear state.
“His Excellency also wishes to add that if there is anything that is needed at this time, it is genuine reconciliation and forgiveness, for without peace and forgiveness there cannot be genuine reconciliation.
“If we reflect back, we have achieved a lot in the atmosphere of peace and harmony. The memories and legacies of the founding fathers of Nigeria are a clear testimony of how peace can bring about cogent development and progress.
“Our youths must be orient with core values and norms that characterize our glorious past, with the aim of renewing the trend so that our children will have a different and positive orientation far from the ongoing challenge. Government will continue to ensure that it provides a serene atmosphere and ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony among people of the state” , the statement said.
Meanwhile, 24 hour curfew has been imposed in Zagon Kataf and Jema’a local government areas to stem the spate of violence and prevent its spread.