Thirty-one Artillery Brigade of Nigeria Army in Minna, the Niger state capital has confirmed that religious violence claimed four lives in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger last Sunday, but that the situation has been brought under control.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Major Njideka Agwu, who disclosed this to Journalists in Minna said that the army, police and civil defence have restored peace in the area.
Agwu said, “at about 6.00pm yesterday (Saturday), 29 May 2016, one Mr. Methodus Emmanuel, a 24 year old trader based in Pandogari, Rafi local government area of Niger state was attacked and killed by a mob in the town on allegation of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet Muhammad on social media.
“Also, three other persons, including personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, 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.
She also confirmed that a Church, one 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 Northern and Southern parts of the country.
The APRO said that the army has made some arrests in connection with the incidence, and suspects handed over to the police, adding that 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 tensions and ensure a 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 …Read More
Source:: Nigerian Pilot
