The Kaduna State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state capital, two days after dozens of people were killed in Kasuwa Magani village.
The state governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, disclosed this via his verified Twitter account 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.— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) October 21, 2018
This follows heightened tension over anticipated reprisal by a group of youths as residents reportedly scamper for safety.
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Consequently, a combined team of security operatives including soldiers, police and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed in the state capital.
The security personnel have taken over the major roads and flashpoints in the metropolis, to avert any form of breakdown of law and order.
No fewer than 55 lives were lost, and several others injured when some youths attacked the market on Thursday.
The incident was said to have resulted in a crisis between two youth groups of different religion.
During his visit to the scene, Governor El-Rufai told reporters that many of the victims were people who visited the market.
He noted the government would not allow a reoccurrence of such an incident, adding that he had instructed relevant authorities to ensure that the culprits were arrested and brought to justice.
The governor had also assured the residents that his administration would act in the interest of peace and harmony by prosecuting those responsible for the violence.
In February 2018, several shops, vehicles and other valuables were destroyed during a clash between youths of different religions.
