Several people were reported injured 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 told Channels Television 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.
Reacting to the clash, Governor Nasir el-Rufai demanded the prosecution of all persons responsible for the mayhem.
“Security agencies must investigate this unfortunate incident, arrest and make available for prosecution the perpetrators,” he said in a statement which Samuel Aruwan, his spokesman, issued on his behalf.
“The government condemns the violence and regrets the wanton shattering of lives.”
Aruwan said the governor has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take inventory of damages and provide relief materials with immediate effect.
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.
ChannelsTV/TheCable
