According to a statement issued by the assistant director of army
public relations, Major NC Agwu, on Monday May 30:
“At about 6pm yesterday, May 29, one Mr Methodus Chimaije
Emmanuel, a 24-year-old trader based in Pandogari, Rafi LGA of
Niger state was attacked and killed by a mob in the town on
allegation of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet
Muhammad on the social media. Troops of 31 Artillery Brigade of 1
Division, Nigerian army on operation MESA quickly intervened and
restored law and order while a dusk to down curfew was imposed in
the town. Early this morning however, the rioters embarked on
further violence, looting shops and blocking the Lagos – Kaduna
Road, a major artery connecting the northern and southern parts of
the country. Again, troops in conjunction with the personnel of
Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC) took control of the situation to forestall escalation of
violence and any threat to the peace in the town.
Regrettably, one church, one house and a shop were burnt while 25
other shops were looted following the violence. Three other persons
including a personnel of the NSCDC also lost their lives. Some
arrests have been made in connection with the violence and the
suspects handed over to the the police. The 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, it 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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