MINNA – Nigerian Army has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Pandogari town in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following violence that broke out in the town on Monday evening.
According to Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 31 Artillery Brigade of 1 Division, Major NC Agwu, at about 6pm on Monday, one Mr Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel, a 24 year old trader based in Pandogari, was attacked and killed by a mob in the town on allegation of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet Muhammad on the social media.
He said troops of the Brigade on operation MESA quickly intervened and restored law and order while a dusk to down curfew was imposed in the town.
However, early Tuesday morning, the rioters embarked on further violence, looting shops and blocking the Lagos – Kaduna Road, a major artery connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.
“Again, troops in conjunction with the personnel of Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) took control of the situation to forestall escalation of violence and any threat to the peace in the town.
“Regrettably, one church, one house and a shop were burnt while 25 other shops were looted following the violence. Three other persons including a personnel of the NSCDC also lost their lives. “Some arrests have been made in connection with the violence and the suspects handed over to the the police. The military and other security agencies are currently embarking on confidence building patrols in all nooks and crannies of the town.
“As part of the 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 all aggrieved parties and build on the peace so far established,” Major Agwu stated.
He also assured that the military will continue with its current non-violent approach to maintaining peace in Pandogari town, it will not take kindly to any unscrupulous element who would attempt to visit violence on innocent and law abiding Nigerians.
Agwu warned the general public to abide by the conditions of the curfew so far emplaced.
He urged all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without any fear of intimidation.
