24-Hour Curfew Re-imposed in Kaduna as Abducted Monarch is Killed

• El-Rufai vows to bring culprits to justice

By John Shiklam in Kaduna

Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State yesterday re-imposed the 24 hour curfew in the metropolis and some local government areas, following the killing of the abducted monarch, the Agom Adara, Mr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima.

The governor, who expressed shock at the development while extolling the sterling qualities of the murdered First Class Chief, vowed to work with security agencies to ensure justice for “revered man.”

The traditional ruler who was abducted recently on his way from Kasuwan Magani to his palace in Kachia was killed on Thursday night by his abductors after collecting an undisclosed sum of money as ransom.

News of his death threw the city into confusion as restive youth burnt tyres along the Sabon Tasha Express Way, causing residents to flee the area.

The 24 hour curfew earlier imposed on the city following violent clashes that claimed 77 lives within the metropolis and Kasuwan Magani community, was Wednesday reviewed to commence from 6:00am to 5:00pm daily till further notice.

The state government in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the Media Aide to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, said the 24 hour curfew had been re-imposed owing to fresh security concerns.

He listed areas where the curfew would be in place to include Kaduna metropolis and environs, Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru, Kateri and Kachia, where the palace of the traditional ruler is located.

“This is a necessary step to help maintain peace as we mourn the death of His Royal Highness, the Agom Adara, who we lost in the early hours of today (Friday) to the criminals who abducted him last week.

“The Kaduna State Government calls for calm in all our communities. The criminal elements who perpetrated this crime should not be allowed to divide us,” the statement said.

He explained that the violent clashes in the state were between law abiding people and those who wanted to divide and destroy the state.

“This is a struggle between good, decent, law-abiding people trying to uphold the peace and criminals who want to divide and destroy. It is not a struggle between religious or ethnic groups. Let no criminal find succor in faith or tribe.

The state government sued for peace, adding, “Let us unite against every criminal activity. Let us stand together as human beings who have a right to live in peace

“We mourn this quintessential traditional ruler who was killed by his abductors in the early hours of today.

“We are pained and heartbroken that criminal elements have taken away from us a man who did his best for peace and harmony in our state.

“The Kaduna State Government extends its condolence to the family of this revered leader and to the people of the chiefdom he led with dedication and commitment.” Following the abduction of the royal father, the security agencies and the government worked strenuously to secure his release.

“Government is shocked and disappointed by this unfortunate development, the government of Kaduna State and security agencies will pursue justice for this revered man.”

The statement said the traditional ruler was “a man of peace, a traditional ruler who consistently made positive contributions for the peace and tranquility in his Chiefdom and the entire state” stressing that “he was a gentleman to the core.”

The statement reads: “Kaduna state has lost a cherished leader. Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai on behalf of the government and people of the state extends deep sympathy to the immediate family and the people of the Adara Chiefdom.”

Meanwhile, the Adara Development Association (ADA) which is the umbrella body representing the domain of the slain royal father has called on the Adara nation to refrain from negative, inciting, inflammatory or unwholesome speeches detrimental to peace.

The association in a statement by its National President, Mr. Awema Dio Maisamari, said the killing of the Agom Adara was shocking and devastating.

According to the statement, “Words alone are not enough to express the past, present and future grief of the Adara nation and indeed other persons of goodwill over the frightening and agonising events of this week within and outside our community.

“We are however comforted by the knowledge that those who bring evil, death and destruction are not enemies of Adara people but the enemies of humanity.

“Fortunately, God is powerful enough to fight His enemies if only we are obedient to him by remaining true to our faith in the God of Love and forgiveness. By so doing, the goodness of God will manifest abundantly even in the midst of the cruelty and wickedness of the increasingly confident agents of darkness.

“We are therefore, passionately appealing to all and sundry to remain calm, prayerful and law abiding. Let us refrain from negative, inciting, inflammatory or unwholesome speech or posts on social media.

“Let us also cooperate with all relevant authorities and agencies concerned to ensure peace and tranquility in this period of mourning for our citizens and our Royal Father.

“We do not deny our rights to express our legitimate opinions, feelings and frustrations. But that must be done at the appropriate time, manner and place and to the appropriate authorities”.

The association also urged the Adara people  to observe a period of mourning from now until the burial arrangements for the paramount ruler is  announced by the elders.

An official of the Adara Development Association (ADA) who broke the news of the monarch’s death yesterday, said the kidnappers collected an undisclosed sum of money as ransom before killing him.

He said the traditional ruler was killed on Thursday night, adding that his corpse was recovered and deposited at the St. Gerald Catholic Hospital Kakuri, Kaduna.

The paramount ruler was abducted on his way to his palace in Kachia after accompanying Governor Nasir el-Rufai to Kasuwan Magani which is in his domain, to commiserate with the community over the bloody violence that claimed many lives last week Thursday.

His convoy was intercepted by the bandits who killed his police orderly and four other palace guards before he and his wife were taken into the bush.

A similar incident had occurred in January 2018, when another traditional ruler in the southern part of Kaduna State, the Etum Numana, Mr. Gambo Makama and his pregnant wife were abducted and killed in Arak, Sanga local government area of the state.

The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Yakubu Sabo did not respond to telephone calls and text messages when contacted.