A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed on Pandogari, Rafi LGA of Niger State, following the riot that broke out Monday following allegation of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet Muhammad on the social media.
The riot led to the death of one Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel, a 24 year old trader based in Pandogari.
However, as the troops of 31 Artillery Brigade of 1 Division, Nigerian Army on operation MESA and other security agencies were trying to restore order, the rioters embarked on further violence Tuesday morning, looting shops and blocking the Lagos – Kaduna Road, a major artery connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.
The Tuesday attack, according to a statement by Major NC Agwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, one church, one house and a shop were burnt while 25 other shops were looted.
Three other persons including a personnel of the NSCDC also lost their lives, while some arrests have been made in connection with the violence and the suspects handed over to the the police.
The statement said that military and other security agencies are currently embarking on confidence building patrols in all nooks and crannies of the town.
As part of the measures to de-escalate tensions and ensure a lasting peace in the town, the military is working with the Local Government Council authorities and community leaders, including the Kagara Emirate Council to pacify all aggrieved parties and build on the peace so far established.
However, while the military will continue with its current non-violent approach to maintaining peace in Pandogari town, the statement said that the “military will not take kindly to any unscrupulous element who would attempt to visit violence on innocent and law abiding Nigerians.
“The general public is therefore warned to abide by the conditions of the curfew so far emplaced. All law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses without any fear of intimidation.
“They are to be rest assured that the security forces will remain fully present to guarantee their safety and security across the length and breadth of the town, within their rules of engagement.”
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