Breaking News: 24-Hour Curfew Imposed in Southern Kaduna as Scores Killed in Ethnic Clashes
The
Kaduna State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Kafanchan,
following bloody fighting between ethnic indigene groups in Southern
Kaduna and settler elements of Hausa-Fulani dwelling in the area.
A security source of SaharaReporters told by telephone that at least five persons were killed in the fighting.
The
bloody clash was also confirmed by an elderly Yoruba resident of
Kafanchan, an otherwise quiescent town that used to be known as a
railway hub. The man said the assaults flared up again on September 19,
2013, Thursday, after armed soldiers had earlier quelled a skirmish last
Sunday.
The
security operative disclosed that indigenes of Southern Kaduna and
Hausa-Fulani youths engaged in a free-for-all fight using machetes,
spears and a few guns. Apart from the dead, many people also sustained
varying degrees of injury.
The
source said, “I can confirm to you that attacks started yesterday
between the indigenes and settlers. And several people were killed
before [the] government declared 24 hours curfew today. As we speak, we
are in the streets patrolling and all residents are now indoors.”
The security agent said yesterday’s attack appeared to be reprisals for the death of a young man who was killed last Sunday.
It
was not possible to receive the confirmation from Mr. Olufemi Adenaike,
the Police Commissioner of Kaduna State. However, a police officer in
Kaduna said the commissioner and military authorities in Kaduna had
deployed troops to the trouble areas to beef up security and contain any
threats that might escalate attacks.
