From Noah Ebije and Sola Ojo, Kaduna
Kaduna State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on three local government areas.
The affected local governments are Zangon-Kataf, Kaura and Jema’a.
Spokesman of Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, explained that the decision was arrived at, at the state security council meeting.
He said security agencies have been ordered to arrest and prosecute any individual or group who violates the curfew.
“Furthermore, the security council urged security operatives to ensure best practices in enforcing directives,” Aruwan said in a statement.
There has been religious tension in Southern Kaduna, in recent times.
On Monday, one Aliyu Muhammad, a driver, was murdered in Kafanchan and, on Tuesday, el-Rufai’s convoy was attacked while the residence of the chairman of Je’ma local government was torched.
Describing the violence in the area as the handiwork of detractors, el-Rufai expressed optimism that normalcy will soon be restored.
el-Rufai and security chiefs in the state, yesterday, visited areas affected during the protest in Kafanchan, in Jema’a local government, to commiserate with affected victims and traditional rulers.
The governor, who was at Kafanchan, alongside his cabinet members and all security chiefs, visited the palaces of Emir of Jema’a , Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Muhammadu, Chief of Kagoro , Ufoi Bonet and Chief of Marwa, Tagwai Sambo, on a peace mission.
He appealed to all aggrieved parties to sheathe their swords and embrace peace and added that there was no need for reprisals since government is working assiduously to put necessary security measures in place to protect live of citizens as well as maintain law and order.
“ I and the deputy governor took the oath of office to protect lives and property of all citizens and we are committed to ensuring that this is achieved.” el-Rufai assured.
Appealing to citizens to avoid taking laws into their hands in the event of any crisis, he said: “Traditional rulers should please talk to their subjects against taking vengeance any time there was problem between or among the persons.”
The governor, however, commended the Emir of Jema’a for taking prompt action to stop his subjects from fighting when crisis erupted during a rally, which according to him, left the government with no option than to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kafanchan area.
El-Rufai who addressed group of women at the Jema’a local government Secretariat, stressed : “ If anyone offends you, please report such individual to the necessary authority and be rest assured that we would take action. “
In their separate remarks, the emir of Jema’a , Chief of Kagoro and Chief of Marwa commended the governor for his commitment and resolve of the state government to ensure peace returns to Southern Kaduna.
In a related development, at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), yesterday, called on all government apparatus in the state to engage in surveillance and intelligence gathering to end killings inKaduna, Zamfara and Taraba states.
The ACF disclosed it is also planning a security summit early next year to address security issues including cattle rustling, farmers/ herdsmen clashes, among others.
The summit, ACF said, is aimed at complimenting efforts of government in finding lasting solutions to the problems.
Speaking to newsmen in an interview shortly after the NEC meeting at its headquarters in Kaduna, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim said they deliberated on national security and other crucial matters which affect the country and the region.
“We are very concerned and worried about the recurrent communal clashes between farmers and herdsmen in some northern states like Zamfara, Taraba, Benue and Kaduna.
“This seemingly intractable security challenge in the north, which have continued to hinder our socio-economic development is disturbing and unacceptable.
“The recent communal clashes in some communities in Gassol Local Government area of Taraba State and that of Jama’a and Kauru Local Government areas in southern part of Kaduna State where innocent lives were killed and property destroyed, are worrisome and condemnable.
“So, in consideration of these and other insecurity situations in the region, ACF, in collaboration with Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, will host a Northern security summit next February, which will address numerous issues of cattle rustling, kidnapping, communal clashes.
“We commend the efforts of the affected state governments in their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of peaceful co-existence through dialogue and peace building processes among the communities in their states.
“We urge the security agencies to step up surveillance and intelligence gathering to forestall future occurrences,” the spokesman said.
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