(Nigerians scampering away from a blast scene)
A 24- hour curfew has been imposed on Kaduna metropolis.It was a move taken by Governor Ibrahim Yakowa to avert the escalation of the clashes which began on the heels of earlier bomb blasts in the state today.
Governor Yakowa while declaring the 24-hour curfew, through a statement by Reuben Buhari, his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity condemned the Zaria and Kaduna incidents.The statement said “His Excellency, while regretting the unfortunate incident conveys his deepest condolence and sympathy to all those affected in the bombings.
“In view of the incidents and the need to have complete normalcy and to forestall further break down of law and order, the State Government has imposed a 24- hour curfew in the whole state. The curfew hours start with immediate effect until further notice.
“Government regrets the inconveniences this drastic measure will cause to all and sundry but the state government considers this to be necessary in other to avert further loss of lives and property in the state again. The state government has directed the security agencies to enforce compliance.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer at the Kaduna Police Command, DSP Aminu Lawal, said that, “there were incidents of bomb blasts in Zaria and Trikaniyya.
“After the incidents, we heard information that some other people, including youths started coming out trying to cause more problems.
“This happened around Sabo Tasha, Rigasa and so on. We beefed up security towards that end to ensure that we calm the situation.
“Apart from what happened in Zaria and Kaduna metropolis here, there is no any(sic) other thing. May be some other people are spreading rumour. So, we are looking at the situation and also making sure that it does not become tensed.
“I cannot say the exact figure of casualties. The bomb blast in Kakuri had three victims that died but I am not aware of some other people because it is as if they said that some other people are being molested.
“Even for the Zaria incident, we are collating figures. It happened in two places, so there are casualties. There are those that died and those who sustained injuries. “Some of them have been taken to private hospitals and also ABUTH, Shika. We are now making efforts to collate the figures and come up with the exact number of people involved.”
Unofficial reports from Kaduna however said at least 24 people were killed in the reprisal attacks that occurred after a bomb exploded at Trikaniyya today.About 125 people were also wounded in the attacks.
Meanwhile, Newsdiaryonline.com has received more details about the blasts in Zaria today.In particular eyewitnesses said the explosion at the Christ the King Catholic Church actually occurred outside its premises The suicide bomber was denied access to the church ,but he chose to detonate the bomb killing innocent bystanders outside .It is however probable that some of the church members who were outside might also have been victims of the blast.One eye witness said he counted 13 corpses of those killed outside the church in Sabongari Zaria today.
At ECWA church,Wusasa Zaria, the pastor reportedly said three people were killed in the blast, this is contrary to earlier report that only one person died.40 other members of the church are on admission at ABU Teaching Hospital Shika Zaria.
