Rioting Youths Kill One In Kafanchan, As LG Imposes 24 Hours Curfew

Source: huhuonline.com

Trouble as again reared its head in Kafanchan town, Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna state following the suspected killing of a Fulani youth by unknown gunmen, just as 24 hours curfew has been imposed by local government caretaker chairman.

Huhuonline.com  gathered that tension started when one of the Muslims youth among the five who masterminded the April post-election violence in the area but disappeared after the carnage which recently resurface and allegedly planning for another round of violence. The unknown youths reportedly killed him in the early hour of Wednesday which his corpse found at Ungwan Katsit, behind the Emir of Jama'a's palace

    
It was later identified by the Hausas as one of their own and consequently threatened a reprisal attack. A development, which was said to be responsible for the tension that sparks off the trouble. Sources alleged that the Fulani youth, whose mother was said to be from Saminaka area of the local government was attacked by unknown gunmen.

 
Speaking to Huhuonline.com on telephone, Alhaji Mudi Shafiyu (Youth Leader of Kafanchan) lamented the ugly development that has been happening in the country. Alhaji Mudi said, ' I am talking to you with deep pains for the future of my dear country, just imagine how our youths has thrown away the brotherly love that bonded us together and now we have turned out to become each other's perpetual enemies.'

    
Another member of the community, Shaibu Ibrahim maintained that, 'yes there was pandemonium in kafanchan following the discovery of a corpse around the area of Emir of Ja'ama Isah Mohammed Isah. I understand the corpse is that of a Fulani chap whose mum is from Saminaka area. He is said to have been responsible for most of the killings at the post-election crises'

    
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, Huhuonline.com sources disclosed 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 Salah holidays were said to have been trapped in the offices.

    
The Emir's palace was said to have been heavily guarded by soldiers and police men, even as the rioting youths made attempts 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 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 made available to Huhuonline.com, 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 on-going 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.

    
Though, as at the time of filing this story it was not clear to ascertain the number of casualties, however, confirming the incident, Kaduna state commissioner of police, Ballah Magaji Nassaraw said, 'I can't tell you anything now because we are still investigating the fact of the matter.'