Tension gripped Kaduna metropolis on Wednesday as fresh round of violence erupted in Kafanchan in the southern part of the state.This was said to have followed the discovery of a corpse at Ungwan Katsit near the palace of the Emir of Jemaa, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu.Our correspondent gathered that the violence broke out on Wednesday morning as rampaging youths in Katsit allegedly identified the corpse as that of an Hausa Muslim.The news of the renewed violence in Kafanchan however caused tension in Kaduna metropolis as many residents rushed to their homes to escape what many feared may result in reprisals.As at the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the death of the young man was still unclear as the youths in the area erected roadblocks and burnt tyres on the streets.The youths also prevented people and vehicles from entering and leaving the town.The state government has however imposed a 24-hour curfew at Kafanchan and Zangon Kataf.The alleged disappearance of security operatives deployed in Zonkwa was said to have heightened the tension in the town.Unconfirmed reports claimed that the soldiers, who were apparently caught unawares, later regrouped to confront the youths.The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ballah Nasarawa, however, declined to comment on the violence.He said, I cant tell you anything now because we are still investigating the fact of the matter.Heavily armed security operatives have taken over security at the Palace of the Emir of Jamaa to ward off youths threatening to attack the traditional rulers domain.Confirming the incident, the Emir of Jemaa explained that the Police Area Commander in Kafanchan informed him of the discovery of the corpse behind his palace.The monarch said following the information, some youths took to the streets, adding that he immediately appealed to security operatives to bring the protest under control.The Emir added that some youths from outside his domain later blocked the roads in the town, creating tension.But another source linked the violence to last Thursdays killing at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tabak near Zonkwa, headquarters of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters), Rev. Joseph Hayab, urged residents to eschew violence and remain calm.What we have achieved with peace cannot be equated with the loss of our dear state and northern region at large has lost to violence.It is important for our people to note that we are facing critical challenges to our coexistence as a people irrespective of tribal or religious differences, hence we must strive harder and restore our glorious days.Peace is vital and crucial at this moment, His Excellency further wishes to appeal to all religious leaders, youth leaders, women leaders and all other stakeholders to continue working assiduously towards the sustenance of peace and harmony in our dear state.His Excellency also wishes to add that if there is anything that is needed at this time, it is genuine reconciliation and forgiveness, for without peace and forgiveness there cannot be genuine reconciliation.If we reflect back, we have achieved a lot in the atmosphere of peace and harmony. The memories and legacies of the founding fathers of Nigeria are a clear testimony of how peace can bring about cogent development and progress.Our youths must be orient with core values and norms that characterize our glorious past, with the aim of renewing the trend so that our children will have a different and positive orientation far from the ongoing challenge. Government will continue to ensure that it provides a serene atmosphere and ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony among people of the state, he said.
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