No fewer than seven persons were Monday killed, while 15 others were injured as Christian and Muslim youths clashed at Kasuwa Magari local government area of Kaduna State over forcible conversion and dating of girls of opposite faith.
Several houses were also set ablaze in the bloody clash.
There were conflicting reports on what triggered the crisis but one account said some Christian youths in the town went about beating girls for allegedly dating Muslim boys.
Another account claimed that some youths in the area went berserk when report filtered into town that there was an attempt to forcibly convert some Christian girls who were allegedly taken to the residence of the local chief.
It was, however, gathered that there had been simmering crisis in the area between adherents of the two faiths before things came to a head Monday morning.
The community, which is about 31 kilometers away from Kaduna city, is located along the highway connecting Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states as well as the southern part of Kaduna state.
Commuters plying that route were stranded for several hours, following the incident.
Residents alleged that security personnel did not arrive until around 2 p.m. when a combined team of soldiers and police were deployed to tackle the situation.
ASP Mukhtar Aliyu, spokesman of Kaduna State police command, who confirmed the incident, said seven people were killed, while15 others were injured.
“We got a distress called in the morning that there was tension in Kasuwan Magani. The Assistant Commissioner of Police is already there as I am talking to you with his men.
“Mobile policemen have been deployed to the place. So the situation has been brought under control.
”I cannot give details about the cause of the problem now until investigations are concluded.
Seven people were killed in the bloody clash, while fifteen others were injured. Houes were also set ablaze,” he said.
In a swift reaction, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Kaduna State governor, directed that all persons responsible for the crisis be arrested and prosecuted.
A statement by Samuel Aruwan, his spokeman, said while condemning the incident, El-Rufai expressed his sympathy to those affected by the incident.
He directed the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to take inventory of damage done and provide relief materials with immediate effect.
The statement added that security forces had been deployed to contain the situation, protect lives and properties and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
The governor urged all citizens and communities to reject violence and division, and live in peace and harmony with their neighbours.
