PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has visited Kaduna State to hold talks with the stakeholders in the state over the recent violence that claimed dozens of lives.

The meeting which held at the popular Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna had many traditional and religious leaders in attendance.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, while appreciating Buhari for the visit, said his administration was battling with a “legacy of nearly 40 years of violence and impunity”, adding that the present administration “is persuaded that it has a solemn obligation to lead the state towards overcoming the tragic legacy of strife”.

“Kaduna State is not the only diverse place on this planet, and the people who live in it must not remain trapped in a whirl of hate and division.,” Elrufai said.

In his speech, President Buhari condoled with the people of Kaduna, especially the families that lost loved ones, adding that the violence anywhere in the country cannot be tolerated.

“It is unacceptable that criminal elements can visit on citizens the wanton killings recorded in the Kasuwan Magani incident of 18th October 2018, and the unrest around Kaduna metropolis a few days later,” he said.

“Let us respect each other, abide by the law, do our duty to uphold harmony and firmly reject division and violence!”

A moment of silence was also observed for the late traditional ruler of Adara Kingdom, Maiwada Galadima, who died at the hands of his abductors in the early hours of Saturday, November 27.

Twice in the past week, the Kaduna State government imposed a 24-hour curfew on the city and its environs as a result of violent clashes among a cross-section of the residents which resulted in the death of at least 77 persons.

The curfew has since been relaxed as security agencies said relative peace had been restored to the affected areas.