There is still palpable tension in Kaduna, Kaduna State. This is sequel to communal clash instigated by yet-to-be identified people, but carried out by the youth of the affected areas. In its wake, not less than 70 people have been killed and many more injured and taken to hospitals for treatment. This is as a result of days of conflict which culminated in the state government imposing a 24-hour curfew to curtail the possible escalation of the mayhem. Kaduna has been a hotbed of coloured conflicts. Sometimes it is ethnic, at other times it is religious. But what is most painful is that most of the time the two combustible triggers combine to leave a trail of blood, gnashing of teeth and misery.
This time, the communal clash began a week ago, precisely on Thursday at Kasuwan Magani area of Kajuru Local Government Area. This area is part of the larger Kaduna city. Thankfully, the police has made arrests. At least 22 persons cutting different backgrounds and age brackets are in police net. More are still expected to be pulled in.
The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Ahmad Abdul-Rahman revealed the actions taken by the police so far. As a result of this situation, the police have tightened its security in the area. Special Forces have been sent from Abuja to complement the local police team of Operation Yaki deployment that was already out to quell the situation.
“Anybody that has a hand in this crisis must face the full wrath of the law, we will not allow lawlessness; we remain committed to saving lives and property of every citizen”, assured the police chief. The governor of the state spoke in similar fashion while on tour of the affected areas after he declared what has proved to be a timely curfew. He urged residents to learn to live in peace in spite of differences in tongue and religion. In February, 10 persons were also killed in similar manner over the same unresolved issues. 65 persons were arrested and put on trial, though prosecution has not proceeded. More arrests have been made and we won’t be surprised to find out later that some of the people arrested in February could be among the suspects of today.
Apart from this mayhem around the state capital, during the past days, a traditional ruler and his wife were abducted in Kaduna. Three people died as a result of scuffle that ensued during the kidnap. Till now, nothing concrete has been heard about the kidnap. The whereabouts of the monarch remains shadowy. Deaths and destruction of property have occurred in other parts of the state this year alone; situation that may have claimed more than 100 lives. Kaduna is known for these kinds of skirmishes. But we think that Kaduna is too big a city and too important a state to continue to thread this path. No serious development can take place in a state that is constantly at war with itself. While we expect the government at the local and state levels to reassess their public engagement process, the people themselves appear to love the shedding of blood.
Any little disagreement immediately results into chilling slaughtering of human beings. Sometimes these are in defence of religious beliefs. It is crazy to think that shedding of blood can assuage religious slight. It is equally unimaginable that people believe that the best way to promote our different ethnic groups is to engage in murderous campaigns. As a country our reality is that we are made up of many ethnic groups and two dominant faiths. It is nothing to be angry about. In fact it is something to be happy for because our diversity is not just colourful but worthy of celebrating.
Unfortunately, over time, and because governmental institutions have failed to do justice without fear or favour when some of these skirmishes occur people have resorted to self help. But even so, our people should begin to reassess the thing that gets them so angry as to resort to killing fellow citizens. There is without a doubt deep seated suspicion among our people. That is why we advocate more civil engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms among various communities. Law enforcement may not necessarily get angry people to tone down. Anger breeds revenge. But a carefully planned and permanent civic engagement can help solve a lot of these problems that are centred on mutual suspicion at that community level. Then government must put its foot down to ensure culprits are arrested, trials hold and judgment is delivered promptly. Enough of the bloodshed!
