Kaduna resident cry out for help

Kaduna residents, Zaria Christians seek help

By Tony Akowe

The curfew in Kaduna State over the violence that trailed the presidential election result has caused shortage of food and other essentials among the residents .The government order for residents to remain indoor till further notice has begun to take its toll on the residents who did not prepare for the restriction that began on Monday.
It was gathered that most residents did not have enough money and food to last for a few days when the curfew was imposed and have not been able to go out to get their needs.
As the mayhem spread to Kafanchan and Zonka in southern parts of the state, Christians in Zaria have complained of being under siege.
They said they had  not been able to get food and water, and other essential needs, since markets and shops have been closed.
In Sabo area of Kaduna metropolis, security agents chased away those who attempted to sell foodstuff, apparently to prevent looting by criminals.
Chairman of the state chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Tunde Bakare said in a telephone interview that over 10 churches were burnt in Zaria and several people killed by rioters.
He said most of the affected churches were in the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic quarters and the Samaru and Kongo campuses of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
According to him, the curfew has not deterred hoodlums from prowling the streets with knives, sticks, bows and arrows, attacking people and burning homes.
He noted that because the security agents were not instructed to shoot, the hoodlums engaged only used tear gas and whips to chase them away.
According to the clergyman, the most challenging time for them is during the night when they regroup and unleash terror, making it impossible for security operatives to apprehend them.
Bakare said: “When the police chase them, they regroup later. The security people have done well, but it appears they have not been given decisive instructions to deal with them.”
In Kafanchan and Zonkwa, heavy fighting between Christians and Muslims was said to have begun at 8pm on Monday till noon yesterday.
Sources said those involved in the fight may have been brought into the area.