Religious Crisis: Niger govt declares curfew in Paiko
Fatimah Abdullahi
Niger state Government on Saturday declared curfew in Paiko Local Government Area of the state following a violent clash between Hausa and Gwari youths that left one person dead.
The curfew was announced in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Dr Ibraheem Dooba.
The statement reads nter alia: “In view of the unfortunate violence in Paiko, the Niger State Government has declared curfew in Paiko town from 10 p.m to 4 a.m until further notice.
“To keep the peace, the people are advised not to violate the curfew, anybody who does would face appropriate consequences for their infraction.
“Citizens are advised to be law abiding, eschew violence and demonstrate the abiding peace for which the state was known for”.
The fight according to information was an aftermath of the battle over the appointment of the deputy Imam for the Paiko central mosque.
Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Mr Bala Elkana, who confirmed the clash and death of one person, told journalists he is yet to be briefed properly, but he was aware of the crisis.
