The outbreak of fighting between the Muslim youths and Christian youths started as a result of the relaxation of the 24hour curfew to 6pm to 6am. As the residents began attending the market place it resulted to exchange of angry words.
The violence was triggered, according to credible sources; by Muslims youths began throwing stones at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church located in Barnawa town. It resulted to reprisal attacks by the native youths.
The attackers are said to be Okada riders mainly Muslim that reside near the suburbs of Barnawa. The residents of Kaduna are said to be deserting the cities and towns to safety. “There is tension everywhere” said a police officer stationed near the marketplace who explained that the current fracas appears to be “the main thing”. He added that the youths from both sides of the divide are well armed and angry enough to stage the unfolding fight to an unpredictable end.
A resident of the area, Nuhu Bityong told our correspondent that, “As many people went to shop, coupling with the tension that resulted from the Bomb Blast, some youths regrouped themselves and started throwing stones at each other closed to the Holy Family Catholic Church Barnawa. The security men acted promptly and no one was killed.”
Confirming the incident, Kaduna Police Spokes Man Aminu Lawan said that some youth started grouping, throwing stones at each other shortly after the curfew was relaxed adding that no casualty was recorded as the security men on patrol acted promptly and dispersed them
“When they started regrouping shortly after the relaxation of the curfew, our men on patrol disperse them. But for now, the situation is under control,” Lawan said
Already the Gurara Forum, a powerful Christian forum based in south Kaduna – released a strongly worded statement calling on the federal government to act to halt the continued slaughter of peaceful and innocent Christians – face the consequences.
