The
Kaduna State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Kafanchan, following
bloody fighting between ethnic indigene groups in Southern Kaduna and settler
elements of Hausa-Fulani dwelling in the area.
A
security source of SaharaReporters told by telephone that at least five persons
were killed in the fighting.
The
bloody clash was also confirmed by an elderly Yoruba resident of Kafanchan, an
otherwise quiescent town that used to be known as a railway hub. The man said
the assaults flared up again on September 19, 2013, Thursday, after armed
soldiers had earlier quelled a skirmish last Sunday.
The
security operative disclosed that indigenes of Southern Kaduna and Hausa-Fulani
youths engaged in a free-for-all fight using machetes, spears and a few guns.
Apart from the dead, many people also sustained varying degrees of injury.
The
source said, "I can confirm to you that attacks started yesterday between
the indigenes and settlers. And several people were killed before [the]
government declared 24 hours curfew today. As we speak, we are in the streets
patrolling and all residents are now indoors."
The
security agent said yesterday's attack appeared to be reprisals for the death
of a young man who was killed last Sunday.
It
was not possible to receive the confirmation from Mr. Olufemi Adenaike, the
Police Commissioner of Kaduna State. However, a police officer in Kaduna said
the commissioner and military authorities in Kaduna had deployed troops to the
trouble areas to beef up security and contain any threats that might escalate
attacks.
