Kaduna State Governor, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, yesterday read the Riot Act to troublesome elements in the state even as his administration imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kachia Local Government Area in a bid to stop the spread of religious violence following the burning of churches and mosques by aggrieved Muslims and Christians.

News Express had reported the outbreak of the crisis yesterday evening but details of what sparked the clashes that left several people injured were not immediately available. It was later confirmed that the problem started when some Muslim youths, suspecting Christians of being behind the encroachment on their prayer ground and destruction of the fence, retaliated by destroying a nearby church. This only worsened the crisis as Christian youths fought back by burning the mosques in the community.

Last night, Governor Yero called on the people in Kachia town and environs to remain calm and shun any attempt by enemies of peace to escalate misunderstanding in the area into confusion as government has brought the situation under control.

In a statement signed by the Director General Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, the governor called on all citizens residing in Kachia to avoid taking laws into their own hands as government is already working with all security agencies at ensuring the protection of life and property of the entire people.

He said: “Government will not fold its arms and allow ‘enemies of peace’ cause mayhem in our state. I call on all law abiding citizens to go about their businesses without fear of intimidation as security forces have already been directed to deal decisively with trouble makers.”

Governor Yero assured the people that security agencies have already commenced investigations into the cause of the crisis and will not spare anyone found culpable “no matter their status in the society. We will no longer tolerate these acts of unwarranted violence against innocent citizens, enough is enough.”

The governor urged people in Kachia as well as the entire Kaduna State to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of diversities adding that difference in tribe or religion does not affect the common aspirations of the people to live in peace and tranquility.

He said the State Government will continue to pursue its peace building agenda and will not rest on its oars until Kaduna is returned to its pre-crises era when all the people lived harmoniously side by side in peace. The governor called on the entire people of the State to become peace ambassadors by supporting the ongoing peace building process.

•Photo shows Governor Yero.