THE Federal Government yesterday deployed armed soldiers and policemen in Kaduna to prevent a solidarity protest by some Moslems in the state.
The tension in the state made traders and other business operators close shops in the metropolis.
Apparently to prevent a spill-over of the crisis that erupted in Dutse, Jigawa State last Wednesday, the military and police commands in Kaduna rolled out armoured tanks and trucks full of armed soldiers and anti-riot policemen at about 11am , before the Jummat prayers, while patrolling major roads and streets in the metropolis and its environs.
Many shops along the busy Ahmadu Bello Way did not open for business for fear of the unknown.
There was an uneasy calm in the city as residents restricted their movements to areas where they felt safe.
The state police command confirmed that some troublemakers were planning to infiltrate the city during or after the Friday prayers to cause trouble and cause a reign of terror and destruction in the state.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ernest Ibhaze, in a special announcement warned that anyone who fomented trouble would be arrested and prosecuted.
We are reliably informed that some troublemakers want to infiltrate our faithful worshipers today during or immediately after the Friday prayers. Their aim is to cause trouble and a reign of destruction in this peace-loving state.
My dear good people of Kaduna State, I urge you to say no to violence, no to riots, no to destruction.
What we need at this stage is prayers and sober reflection so that Moslems and their Christian brothers can continue to live in peace. The police have not granted anybody or group permit to do a procession or rally.
Any one who foments trouble or sponsors chaos will be arrested and prosecuted. A word is enough for the wise” the police commissioners announcement read in part.
Many parents were in various schools to withdraw their wards just as some traders were running for their lives as rumour of impending trouble rent the air.
Meanwhile, the violence that erupted in Dutse was said to have subsided as people went about their businesses.
According to reports, shops and business centres have now been opened as police guard strategic places to maintain law and order.