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Religious violence broke out in Rafi Local
Government Area of Niger on Sunday, May 29, leaving four people dead, including a 24-year-old trader, Premium Times, reports.
Njideka Agwu, a major and the Assistant Director, Army Public
Relations Officer (APRO), who confirmed the incident to journalists in
Minna,
said the army, police and the NSCDC had restored peace in the area. She
disclosed that a 24-year-old trader based in Padongari, identified as
Methodus Emmanuel was killed by a mob over allegations of blasphemy.
"Three
other persons, including personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil
Defence Corps also lost their lives. Troops of the 31 Artillery Brigade
of One Division, Nigeria Army,
quickly intervened and restored law and order while a dusk-to-dawn
curfew was imposed in the town,"’ she said.
Ms. Agwu also said that a religious house, a house and a shop were
burnt while 25 other shops were looted following the violence. She said that the hoodlums embarked on further violence on Monday
morning, looting shops and blocking the Lagos – Kaduna road, a major
highway connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.
The spokesperson said that the army had made some arrests in
connection with the incident, adding that the suspects had been handed
over to the police. The army and other security agencies have commenced confidence
building patrols in all the nooks and crannies of the area toward
restoring peace.
"As part of measures to de-escalate tension and ensure lasting peace
in the town, the military is working with the local government council
authorities and community leaders, including the Kagara Emirate Council,
to pacify all aggrieved parties and build on the peace so far
established,"’ she added.
Ms. Agwu while reiterating the army's non-violent approach to
maintaining peace in the area, however, warned that it would deal with
any person attempting to promote violence in the community.
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