Three killed as Kaduna imposes curfew on Kajuru

Godwin Isenyo, Kaduna.

The Kaduna State government has imposed a 24-hour-curfew on Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru Local Government Area, following the hostility that started in the area on Thursday evening.

The incident claimed three lives and a house razed in the troubled community.

Kajuru, a few hours drive to Kaduna metropolis and gateway to the Southern part of the state, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States, had been engulfed in crisis for some time now.

Our correspondent gathered that tension mounted in the area on Thursday, forcing the state to slam the curfew.

It was gathered that trouble started when the body of a Hausa boy was found in a well. In reprisal, some Hausa boys allegedly attacked Adara boys in the area.

The two Adara boys, according to a source, were coming from the market when they were attacked and beaten by some Hausa boys. One of them was rushed to the St. Gerard Catholic Hospital where he died on Friday morning.

The incident sparked apprehension, forcing the deployment of security operatives in the troubled community.

The source said, ” Two of our boys were coming from a local market in the evening on Thursday and decided to follow the bypass.

“They were attacked and thoroughly beaten by some Hausa boys. One of them was taken to St. Gerald Hospital where he later died as a result of the beating.”

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Cafra Caino, said the situation had been brought under control, following the curfew imposed on the area by the state government to avert further violence.

“Yesterday there was tension and security personnel were deployed and the whole area was cordoned,” the chairman added.

Announcing the 24-hour- curfew on Kajuru, Mr Samuel Aruwan, Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said the curfew took immediate effect.

He noted that the state Deputy Governor, Mr Barnabas Yusuf Bala, had directed for strict enforcement of the curfew.

“The Kaduna State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Kasuwan Magani with immediate effect. Deputy Governor Barnabas Yusuf Bala has directed vigorous enforcement of the curfew and has urged citizens to comply and support peace efforts in the community,” it said.