CAN warns Gov El-Rufai against lifting curfew in Kaduna

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised the Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State against hasty review of 24-hour curfew imposed on Sunday following clashes in the state.

Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna state chapter, Rev. Sunday Ibrahim, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Tuesday.

This is sequel to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwa, that that 24hour curfew in Kasuwan Magani and Kujama will no longer stand but would now be enforced from dusk to dawn – from 5pm in the evening to 6am in the morning, till further notice.

But CAN Secretary, Ibrahim kicked against any form of lifting of the curfew, saying there was still tension in the state, which could only be checked by the restriction.

He warned that lifting the curfew when the communities had not fully settled would give room for further attacks and deaths.

Ibrahim commiserated with those who lost their loved ones in the clashes and prayed to God to heal the wounded and compensate those who recorded other losses.

“Social disagreement and misunderstanding often assume religious dimension in the state, as we do not have the stomach to contain the religious crisis in this country.

“I am, therefore, appealing to the good people of Kaduna State to restrain from vengeance and channel all perceived injustices to the appropriate authorities saddled with the responsibility of ensuring justice.

“Rather than fighting with daggers and guns, the masses, who are always the victims of communal clauses, should unite and demand their rights from the government democratically.

“I pray that Kaduna will return to the old good days when Muslims and Christians lived and grew together in harmony,” he said.

The CAN scribe also called on the state government to prosecute those responsible for stoking the crisis without favour to any group.