GOVERNOR Nasir El-Rufai has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna town as violence in several parts of the capital city persists on Sunday.

“This is a notice of a 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna town and environs, with immediate effect. Residents are advised to comply by this directive. The decision has been taken in the best interest of the state,” El-Rufai stated.

This is a notice of a 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna town and environs, with immediate effect.
Residents are advised to comply by this directive.
The decision has been taken in the best interest of the state.

— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) October 21, 2018

Violence broke out in the Kasuwar Magani area of Kaduna state on Friday, and according to the police, 55 people were killed. A 24-hour curfew was imposed in the area on Saturday as security operatives tried to get the situation under control.

But on Sunday, rumours of reprisal attacks began spreading around the town, leading to another round of violence. Residents ran indoors and locked themselves in for fear of being hurt.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the development on Sunday, adding that a special squad of security operatives had been deployed to ensure that the situation was brought under control.

“The violence in Kaduna, which has resulted in the deaths of 55 innocent people, is condemnable. The Police have been authorized to do everything possible to restore calm. A Special Intervention Force has been deployed to the flash-points, and the IG will provide regular updates,” the President tweeted.

“The disregard for the sanctity of human life is unacceptable. Violence is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good. I appeal to community leaders and citizens to always choose dialogue, patience and tolerance, to prevent crises from escalating into violence.

“…The Federal Government and its law enforcement agencies will work with the State Government and community leaders to ensure the full restoration of peace and security.”