Kaduna charges 65 to court over religious conflict

The Kaduna state government has charged 65 people for the violence that broke out at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru local government area.

Twelve people reportedly died after a misunderstanding ensued between Christians and Muslims on February 26.

Over 1,000 shops and houses were said to have been destroyed as a result of the violence.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Samuel Awuran, spokesman of Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, said the state would not relent in prosecuting the suspects.

Aruwan said no one would be allowed to use religion or ethnicity to justify their criminal conduct.

“In fact, 65 persons have been charged before a magistrate’s court in Kaduna. All the suspects have been remanded in Kaduna prison custody and the case adjourned to the 15th, March 2018. There should be no doubt that the state will not relent in vigorously prosecuting the suspects,” the governor’s spokesman said.

“The legacy of violence in Kaduna state has been enabled by impunity. This cannot continue. Nobody will be allowed to use religion or ethnicity to justify criminal conduct.

“It is also important to stress that nobody or group has the constitutional right to force other people to embrace their prejudices or beliefs. Matters of faith are the prerogatives of individuals whose voluntary decisions must be respected by all.”

Aruwan urged all communities in the state to reject those who want to use religion and ethnicity to instigate violence.

“The constitution of this country grants everyone the right to life, and the state government will firmly protect this right and secure justice for the victims,” he said.