The number of casualties in the ongoing crisis in Kaduna continue to rise as three unidentified youths were killed today in Kaduna despite the round-the-clock curfew imposed on the city and its environs by the Kaduna State government.
It was learnt that the three youths were shot dead in the early hours in Nayari area by men dressed in military uniform.
The latest killing has brought the death toll to 81 since the latest round of violence began on October 19.
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) announced today that 23 people were killed in various parts of Kaduna metropolis during the violence yesterday.
Also, 55 people were reportedly killed in Karuwan Magani, where the violence began on Friday.
He said the youths were killed by soldiers who fired to protect themselves after they were attacked by some youths with assorted dangerous weapons.
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir El-Rufai said in a special broadcast today that the 24-hour curfew would be reviewed tomorrow.
The governor said that the State Security Council would meet on Tuesday morning to review the security situation and possibly reduce the hours of the curfew.
In the broadcast, El-Rufai lauded the massive support of communities in ending the violent clashes that engulfed Kaduna, the state capital on Sunday.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring lasting peace across the state.
“The support of communities has been reassuring,” he said, adding that they must also “reject those who incite violence and divide us.”
The governor cautioned residents against spreading rumour and fake news which contributed largely to the violence.
The governor said security agents have been directed to escort travellers passing through Kaduna to the outskirts of the town so as not to impede their journey.
El-Rufai assured that the government would vigorously pursue the prosecution of all those apprehended in the course of the recent violence across the state, including the 65 being prosecuted over an earlier violence in Kasuwan Magani in February.
El-Rufai who commended security agents for their professionalism in containing the violence, however stressed that the ultimate guarantee to peace lies in the willingness of all to live in peace and resolve misunderstandings amicably.
