Violence at Kasuwar Magani

On Monday last week, violence erupted at Kasuwar Magani town of Kajuru Local Government of Kaduna State. Ten persons died while 1000 shops were razed down. Vehicles and other property were also destroyed in the incident. It was gathered that the crisis was between Kadara and Hausa youths. The crisis was said to have started […]

On Monday last week, violence erupted at Kasuwar Magani town of Kajuru Local Government of Kaduna State. Ten persons died while 1000 shops were razed down. Vehicles and other property were also destroyed in the incident. It was gathered that the crisis was between Kadara and Hausa youths. The crisis was said to have started Monday morning over allegations that a lady was about to be converted to a different faith. Youths from both sides then engaged in a clash. A source said there had been tension in the area a week earlier over some social issues and that youths across the religious divide were agitated as they traded accusations.

After the initial fight, some of the youths were said to have retreated and later mobilized and started burning houses perceived to be owned by people of different faiths and in the bid to stop them heavy fighting ensued between the two sides and more casualties were recorded. The two biggest hotels in Kasuwar Magani town were torched. A team from the Kaduna State Security Council led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Mohammed, visited the area to ascertain the level of damage.  Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i condemned the attack and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take an inventory of the damage and provide relief materials to victims. 

We condole with the families of those who died and wish those who were injured speedy recovery. The latest incident in Kaduna State brings to mind unpleasant memories of the past where the state battled religious crises. It took a lot for the state to bring that issue under control and it cannot afford to fall into that kind of situation again.  Kasuwar Magani, in particular, experienced a similar crisis in 1980. The latest incident, from all indications, was a mere disagreement between young lovers and it should not have been allowed to assume a religious colouration. Wherever people live together, there is bound to be one form of disagreement or another but when such occurs, it should be handled as amicably as possible. A situation where once a problem occurs in an area populated by followers of the two major religions- Islam and Christianity, it is given a religious colouration is unacceptable and must be discarded with forthwith. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic society with people of various religions and citizens must rise beyond parochial thoughts.

Religious and traditional rulers should note that they have a huge role to play in ensuring peace in our communities.  How was it possible for the crisis to escalate to the level it did? Where were the leaders of the community?  Community leaders should put their youths in check. A timely intervention would have saved some lives as well as property. Leaders cannot afford to shy away from their responsibilities.   Utmost caution should also be applied when issuing statements. Youths look up to the leaders and as such leaders should be mindful of statements issued when there is crisis to avoid giving the impression that an action was endorsed. 

The security response at Kasuwar Magani was also slow. Where were the security personnel when the youths were having a field day?  We recognise the fact that security personnel cannot be everywhere at all times but they should be stationed as close as possible to communities so that when crises erupt they can address them as quickly as possible. They should also make available their contact information so that they can easily be reached.  The Kaduna State governor has taken the right steps by ordering the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to take inventory and provide relief materials to the victims. But the state should not stop there; it should work with the police to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and all those who played roles in the crisis are punished.