PRESS RELEASE BY 31 ARTILLERY BRIGADE OF 1 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY ON THE RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN PANDOGARI NIGER STATE
At about 6pm yesterday, 29 May 2016,
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.
Major NC Agwu
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
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.
Major NC Agwu
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
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