Residents of Kaduna have started fleeing the state in droves for fear of more retaliatory attacks following the violence that has erupted between Christians and Muslims in parts of the state.
On Wednesday, panicked residents were seen being escorted out of the state by military personnel deployed to the area.
The heavy military presence on the streets has resulted in a semblance of calm.
Following last Sunday’s bombing of three churches in the state, reprisal attacks erupted against Muslims in parts of the state.
A 24-hour curfew was swiftly imposed in the state. However, when the curfew was relaxed on Tuesday, further violence sparked off, this time by Muslims attacking Christians in revenge.
The state government has re-introduced the curfew.
An estimated 80 people have been killed so far in the violence, with over 140 injured.
Some residents who could not flee the state for various reasons took refuge in a compound in Kigo Road New Extension in Kaduna. Residents say they fear fresh violence will break out when the curfew is relaxed.
“How do you expect us to stay when it is very obvious that our lives and properties are not safe? After the 24-hour curfew now, who knows what is going to happen next? So the best thing is to run for our dear lives,” said a resident who did not want his name published.
The state’s police command says among those arrested so far, alleged to have been part of the marauding youths that attacked people, are illegal aliens from neighbouring countries such as Chad, Cameroon and Niger.
Culled: dailytimesnigeria
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