Northern crisis worsens

VIOLENCE in the northern states of Kaduna and Yobe spread on Tuesday, necessitating an imposition of a 24-hour curfew on the two states where the death toll in three days of attacks rose to 99.
The casualty figure is made up of 74 deaths recorded in Kaduna between Sunday and Monday and 25 killed in the Damaturu violence.
In Kaduna, soldiers deployed in the city averted a clash between Christian and Muslim youths even as there were reports of an explosion which resulted in a fire outbreak at the Panteka market.
Muslim youths reportedly took to the streets in Kaduna on Tuesday, firing AK-47s, burning tyres and destroying at least one church.
Intermittent gunshots were reportedly heard across the city throughout the day.

“We heard an explosion which led to a fire. An explosion which resulted in a fire outbreak has occurred at the Panteka market destroying many shops. This happened as the attacks were going on in Tudun Wada just before the curfew was reimposed,” Reuters quoted a resident, Bitrus Moses, as narrating.
Before soldiers intervened, youths said to be Muslims from Tundun Wada had set up a bonfire and threatening to avenge the killing of their kin on Sunday.
The youths were said to have also attacked traders at the Sheikh Gumi Central Market.
Our correspondents report that the youths shot at motorists and passers-by. The attacks created pandemonium as residents fled in different directions. Those who had gone to work after the relaxation of the 24-hour curfew by the government had to rush back home.
On learning that Muslim youths were massing for an attack, youths from the predominantly Christian southern part of the state also commenced mobilisation for a confrontation.
Alarmed at the palpable tension, the state governor, Patrick Yakowa, promptly slammed another round-the-clock curfew on the state.

Source