Several people were injured on Sunday as the Kaduna Music Festival ended in violence. According toPremiumTimes, Police fired teargas and shot into the air as some attendees engaged security operatives in a scuffle at the event organised by the Kaduna State Government, which was the first in the history of the State.
The violence started as the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Shagali, gave his closing remarks. Some youth jumped on the stage and threw sticks and bottles at the police, with others wondering what their motives are.
One attendee, who identified himself as Kasimu Awwal, spoke to a Premium Times reporter and narrated how it started.
“The event was actually ending, because the Speaker asked for one minute silence for those who lost their lives in the Zaria soldiers Shi’ite clash,” Mr Awwal, who sustained injuries on his hand, said.
“From where I was standing some boys started stoning from the other side of the stadium saying they identify someone they have been looking for to retaliate for attacking their lover in Tudun -Wada two weeks ago.
“I understand they are from Kabala area. I quickly left that side before it started getting tense. The police tried to prevent them immediately while they kept engaging each other with stadium seats and sticks.”
“People started running toward the exit of the stadium. some people sustained injuries,” he added.
Mr. Awwal commended security operatives at the scene, saying the situation could have gotten worse.
“If not for the intervention of security operatives, the situation would have been very bad,” he said.
“They were very alert and were able to disperse the youth from the stadium immediately the mayhem began.
“Thugs from various part of the state take advantage of gatherings like this to settle grudges among themselves.”
Some of those who performed on Sunday included Tuface Idibia, 9ice, and Buzun Kaduna.
The event is the first of its kind and the state has said it will be an annual event.
