22 Oct 2018 | 12:45 PM UTC
Nigeria: Indefinite curfew declared in Kaduna October 21 /update 1
Indefinite curfew imposed in town of Kaduna October 21 following intercommunal clashes in Kasuwan Magani on October 18; increased security force deployment
Event
The Kaduna state government imposed an indefinite 24-hour curfew in the town of Kaduna and surroundings on Sunday, October 21. The measure followed intercommunal clashes that broke out in Kasuwan Magani (Kaduna State) on October 18, in which 55 people died. All entry points to state are currently considered "hotspots" as the area where the violence occurred is a transit route linking Kaduna to neighboring states. A heightened security presence has been deployed in the area and security forces will reportedly conduct stop and search patrols and raids. Further violence remains possible in the coming days despite the curfew and increased security.
Context
Ethnic and sectarian clashes are common in Nigeria. Central Nigeria and adjacent areas have become the scene of almost daily clashes between farmers and the largely nomadic herders in a battle for land and resources. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence in Nigeria are higher than those related to terrorism - also a major security concern in the country. As many as ten people died in Kasuwan Magani following violent clashes between rival youth groups in February 2018.
Advice
Individuals in Kaduna state are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. The security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.
