Nigerian government has announced that 55 people have died in Nigeria’s Northern Kaduna State in a market violence between Christians and Muslims. This was announced by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reports indicate that Muslim and Christian youths clashed after a row between wheelbarrow porters in the town of Kasuwan Magani.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the latest communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State which claimed 55 lives,” tweeted Official presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu.
According to the state police commissioner, 22 people were arrested after the unrest.
Authorities also imposed a round-the-clock curfew in the town.
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Reacting to the violent clashes, President Buhari said the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully, is worrisome.
He called on community leaders to encourage tolerance and stop such discord before it could develop into violence.
“No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life. Peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing,” said the President through his spokeperson.
President Buhari explained that “violence cannot be an alternative to peace. On the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity.”
The Kaduna state has been experiencing numerous violence incidences between Muslims and Christians in the recent past.
As of 2017, Kaduna State had a population of over six million people, of which 80 per cent are Muslims.
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