24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna town as Buhari condemns violence | Watch crisis video

The Kaduna state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna city and environs, TOPNAIJA.NG can confirm.

Footage from Kaduna today.
I can't believe I saw this with my own eyes#prayforKaduna pic.twitter.com/WB3kwNhRRJ

— TWIZT (@runningdog46) October 21, 2018

Samuel Aruwan, spokesman of Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, announced this in a statement.

“This is a notice of a 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna town and environs, with immediate effect. Residents are advised to comply by this directive,” the statement read.

“The decision has been taken in the best interest of the state.”

The government took the action following tension in some parts of the state. Around 4pm on Sunday, there were rumours of clashes in some parts of the city, sparking fear among residents.

Shops were closed while church activities were suspended as people rushed to their houses.

The streets were empty as motorists and commercial vehicles deserted all major roads within the city.

The atmosphere in the state has been tensed since on Thursday when Muslims and Christians in Kasuwan Magani community in Kajuru local government area of the state clashed.

The police said 55 people were killed in incident.

Furthermore, President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the violence in Kaduna State that has reportedly led to the deaths of 55 people.

The president wrote on his Twitter @MBuhari that the police has been ordered to restore calm in the state.

He also commended the Kaduna State Government for its “rapid response to the crisis.” He wrote:

The violence in Kaduna, which has resulted in the deaths of 55 innocent people, is condemnable. The Police have been authorized to do everything possible to restore calm. A Special Intervention Force has been deployed to the flash-points, and the IG will provide regular updates.

The disregard for the sanctity of human life is unacceptable. Violence is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good. I appeal to community leaders and citizens to always choose dialogue, patience and tolerance, to prevent crises from escalating into violence.

Let me also commend the Kaduna State government for its rapid response to the crisis. The Federal Government and its law enforcement agencies will work with the State Government and community leaders to ensure the full restoration of peace and security.