The Kaduna State Police Command has dismissed reports of a religious clash in Unguwan Yero community, Kaduna State, following a confrontation among youths that reportedly left some people injured.
The command also disclosed that security personnel had been deployed to the affected area to prevent further violence, warning members of the public against spreading fake news capable of causing tension.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, stated this in a press release issued on Wednesday, saying the incident was a clash between youths and had no religious undertone.
“The Command wishes to categorically clarify that the incident was not a religious conflict, but a clash between youths from the same community. The situation was promptly addressed by the security and is currently under control,” Hassan said.
The police spokesman said adequate security personnel had been deployed to the area, while measures were being taken to sustain peace and prevent a recurrence.
He added that an investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Hassan said the Commissioner of Police had cautioned members of the public against circulating unverified information, sensational reports and misleading narratives capable of inciting violence.
He urged residents to exercise restraint, embrace mutual tolerance and peaceful coexistence, irrespective of their differences.
“The Command reassures residents that Kaduna State remains peaceful and that all necessary security measures are in place to protect lives and property. Anyone who attempts to disrupt the existing peace will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law,” he added.
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The police also urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and report suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest police station.
The PUNCH Online gathered that the confrontation involved youths from Kwaru and Unguwar Yero communities in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
The crisis reportedly followed a disagreement between youths from the two communities about a week earlier, during which three persons sustained injuries.
One of the injured youths, said to be from Unguwar Yero, later died, triggering anger among his friends, who allegedly mobilised on Wednesday in an attempt to avenge his death.
The crisis reportedly erupted around 9am, disrupting activities in the communities and forcing some schoolchildren to flee their schools amid fears of further violence.
A resident of Kwaru, who identified himself as Garba, said residents heard a commotion before some youths began throwing stones at one another.
He said, “On Wednesday, after the children had gone to school, we started hearing noise. When I came out, I saw people gathering, while some were throwing stones at one another between the youths from Unguwar Yero and some residents of Kwaru who had gone to the cemetery.”
He, however, said normal activities had started returning to the communities following the deployment of security personnel.
