Tension mounts in Kaduna as traditional ruler, wife kidnapped after Governor’s visit

What began as a man stealing a cow in the Kasuwan Magani market is snow-balling out of control with the loss of nearly hundred lives. The Police put the figure of the dead at 55.
The violence has taken ethno-religious dimensions, and has worsened with the kidnap of the traditional ruler of the area and his wife after an alleged visit to the State Governor, Malam Nasir el Rufai.
The paramount ruler of Adara land d Agom Adara and his wife have been kidnapped, his orderly and four others shot dead.
Kasuwan Magani is an Adara community.
There are photos of the police escort, driver, and palace guards as well as others killed In the Kasuwan Magani clash, but they are withheld for decency sake.
The ruler’s two-car convoy was ambushed on its way from Kaduna. A source in the Governor’s Office debunked the story in the area that the traditional ruler was on his way from seeing the Governor.
“The Governor visited Kasuwan Magani, to condole the people and see things for himself. There was no meeting between him and the Agwom Adara,” the source said.
Meanwhile, according to an agency report, the Police have confirmed the killing of 55 people in the communal crisis the engulfed Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmad Abdur-Rahman, said that the police had arrested 22 suspects in connection with the mayhem on Thursday.
Abdul-Rahaman said anti-riot and conventional policemen as well as a team of the state joint security operatives, Operation Yaki, despatched to the town have restored normalcy .
According to him, he has also visited the town and engaged youth leaders, traditional and religious leaders in the efforts to stop the crisis and prevent its spread
He noted that the timely imposition of curfew by the Kaduna State Government also helped to douse tension in the area.
The police chief assured that all perpetrators of the mayhem would be brought to book.
“Anybody that has a hand in this crisis must face the full wrath of law, we will not allow lawlessness; we remain committed to saving lives and property of every citizens,” he said.
He appealed to the public to continue to live in peace and assist the command with useful information to track the perpetrators.
A similar crisis erupted in February and left more than 10 people dead and hundreds of shops and residences burnt.
A total of 65 people alleged to have been involved in the February crisis were arraigned in court but the case is still pending.
Additional reports by NAN.