MUSLIMS protesting alleged desecration of the Holy Quran in Makarfi, Kaduna State have torched 10 churches and vandalised a police station. Violence broke out Saturday in the home town of Governor Ahmed Makarfi after a resident suspected to be insane tore a copy of the Quran.
"A teenager, who is said to have a mental defect, went into an Islamic school, took a copy of the Quran from one of the students and tore it. This provoked the students and people nearby who pounced on the teenager," a resident, Yusuf Abubakar, said
"His mother, who recently moved to Makarfi with her teenage son from Calabar, managed to rescue him from his assailants and ran into the only police station in town for safety," Abubakar said.
The policemen there refused to release the suspect to the protesters.
Muslim youths then attacked the police station, smashing windows and damaging two patrol vehicles, before burning down 10 churches, he said. So far, there have been no reports of anyone being seriously hurt in the disturbances, and a large number of mobile policemen have been deployed to keep order, Abubakar said.
The state government in a reaction Sunday night said it was in firm control of the security situation in the area as security operatives had been deployed to enforce law and order. The deputy governor, Mr. Stephen Shekari, said in a special broadcast that people should go about their normal duties as there was no cause for alarm.
Commenting on the situation, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammed Yesufu, blamed mischievous people for trying to foment trouble in the area. "There is nothing to worry about. No life was lost. The mob set fire on three vehicles including a police jeep worth about N9 million. The second vehicle is owned by a police officer while the third one was one of those parked in the station.
"So far, we have arrested five people. We are still making arrests. It was a confused situation. The person who was being pursued is still in a coma, so we have not interviewed him to know what led to the problem, but what happened had nothing to do with religious problems. Altogether, three people were wounded," the Police Commissioner said.
However, in his broadcast Sunday night, the deputy governor urged the people to be peaceful, and law-abiding. Shakari said government would deal decisively with whoever tried to cash in on the situation.
Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi who is from the area travelled out of the country on an official trip at the weekend.