Fresh violence envelops northern Nigerian state

A palpable tension gripped northern Kaduna metropolis on Wednesday as fresh round of violence erupted in Kafanchan in the crisis-ridden southern part of the state following the discovery of a corpse near the palace of the Emir of Jema'a, Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu. Sources told Xinhua that violence broke out in the Southern Kaduna town on Wednesday morning as rampaging yo uths in Katsit allegedly identified the corpse as that of a Hausa Muslim.The news of the renewed violence in Kafanchan, however, caused tension in Kaduna metropolis as many residents hurried home to escape what many feared may result in reprisals in the state capital. The circumstances surrounding the death of the young man was still unclear as youths in the area erected roadblocks and set bonfire on the streets. The rampaging youths also prevented people and vehicles from entering and leaving the town. The state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kafanchan and Zangon Kataf. State commissioner of police Ballah Magaji Nasarawa confirmed the incident, but declined to comment on the violence. "I can't tell you anything now because we are still investigating the fact of the matter," he added.