New deadly group “Yan Shara” emerges in Kaduna targets Muslims as well

The Kaduna police revealed the name of the group behind violence and attacks during the holy month of Ramadan

 – Governor El-Rufai visited one of the victims, Emmanuel Francis, promised to maintain peace and harmony in the state

– The group targets Muslims as well: A resident of Unguwan Dosa, Bello Sani, narrates how he escaped lynching  Security if beefed up in Kaduna state following a number of attacks on peaceful citizens, police confirmed to PremiumTimes on Saturday, June 11. The officials believe a new deadly group called “Yan Shara” is responsible. The name of the group can be translated as “Sweepers” from Hausa language. The members of Yan Shara, mostly young adults, reportedly operate in Kakuri, Kawo, Rigasa, Tudun Wada, Unguwan Rimi, Unguwan Dosa and several other major towns and areas of Kaduna.

The police assured that they had all the details about the reported crimes, promised to deal with the ‘hoodlums’. Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state spoke in a similar manner of condemnation as he visited Emmanuel Francis, a Christian who was stabbed for eating in the afternoon of Tuesday, June 7. “We implore everyone to do their duty to uphold peace and security in Kaduna State. We should not allow differences in faith to be a barrier to harmony or a cause for conflict. Nobody can impose the tenet of his faith on another person. “The decision to observe any religious activity is the prerogative of the individual. Let us all remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the security agencies,” the governor said.The Yan Shara group does not spare Muslims as well. Bello Sani, a resident of Unguwan Dosa, was attacked on his way from the mosque. The man narrowly escaped being lynched last week when he was returning from daily prayer. Mr Bello told his horrific story to PremiumTimes. “I was going home from the mosque in Unguwan Dosa when I saw people running and coming my way. “At first I thought it was a riot. Then one lady who was running overtook me and was shouting run! run! run! the sweepers are coming. I did not understand what she meant by sweepers until I saw some shops close to me closing down and also telling me to run. “However, before I could run fast, one among them hit me with a big stick on my back. I was able to jump in to a house close to me forcing them to retreat.” The month of Ramadan began in Nigeria on Monday, June 6. It is expected to end on July 5. Adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn till dusk.