Violent religious crisis on Monday hit a part of Kaduna state, leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties, including houses.
The incident happened at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai has directed security agencies to investigate, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of mayhem.
The governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take inventory of damages and provide relief materials with immediate effect.
“Security forces have been deployed to contain the situation, protect lives and properties and to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
“The government also urged all citizens and communities to reject violence, division and uphold their neighbours in peace and harmony.
“While the government condemns the violence, and regrets the wanton shattering of lives.
“He further disclosed that the government has expressed its sympathy to the victims and their families”.
Several people were reported to have been injured on Monday, after a clash between youths belonging to two different religious groups in Kasuwa Magani village in Kaduna State.
The clash which broke out on Sunday was said to have snowballed into a crisis between the groups, leading to the burning of houses and destruction of other valuables in the area in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
An indigene of the area said that the cause of the crisis has to do with an alleged romantic relationship and eventual forceful conversion of some girls to a particular religion by some boys from another faith.
The Kaduna State Police Command has also confirmed the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Muktar Aliyu, said the situation had been brought under control.
He added that a combined team of security operatives has been deployed in the community to maintain law and order.
The Command’s spokesman, however, appealed to the people of the state, especially the residents in the area to remain law abiding.
Kasuwan Magani is 31 kilometres away from the Kaduna State capital and is located on the highway that links the state to Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states.
