TheCable

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has expressed confidence that normalcy will soon be restored in Southern Kaduna.

The area is currently tensed as a result of religious crisis.

On Monday, One Aliyu Muhammad, a driver, was murdered in Kafanchan. The convoy of el-Rufai was also attacked by aggrieved residents of the community, while the residence of Bege Katuka, chairman of Je’ma local government, was torched.

Responding to the volatile situation, el-Rufai said “by the special grace of God, the forces of darkness” would be subdued.

He appealed for calm, describing the attack on him as one of the burdens of leadership.

“In the name of God, I am begging you. No one should take the law into his or her hand over what happened in Kafanchan,” read a statement issued on the governor’s behalf by Samuel Aruwan, his spokesman.

“Although it is unfortunate, but we must rise above induced prejudice and hatred. We must defeat hate with patience, love and dedication to duty and not eye for an eye.

“It is also a burden of leadership and we will, by the special grace of God, overcome these forces of darkness who are dividing our citizens using religion, ethnicity and politics. I commend high the sense of professionalism exhibited by security personnel.

“I listened to three of the women who led the protesters as they asked me questions. I answered them and even invited them to a larger meeting, but they went on rampage and burnt the residence of the local government chairman.

“The government of Kaduna state and the security council sympathise with the chairman of Jema’a local government, Dr. Bege Katuka and his family over the unfortunate incident that led to the burning of their home. Our prayers and support go with them.”

The statement said the governor will update the people of the state on the steps being taken to improve security in the state in a state-wide live radio interview between 8pm and 10 pm.