No fewer than 66 persons have been killed by unknown gunmen
in Kajuru local government of Kaduna state. This attack comes less than twenty
four hours to the conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections in
the state.
Media aide of the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai,
Samuel Aruwan, in a statement released on Friday evening, said already,
security agencies are on the trail of the assailants.
The statement added that among the victims were 22 children
and 12 women.
Read the statement below
The Kaduna State Government has condemned the killing of 66
persons in Kajuru LGA and has warned all communities against instigating
attacks or reprisals. A government statement said that security agencies have
been deployed to the area, while arrests have been made.
“Security agencies today reported the recovery of 66 bodies
that were killed in attacks by criminal elements on various dispersed hamlets
in the Maro Gida and Iri axis of Kajuru LGA. The settlements affected include
Ruga Bahago, Ruga Daku, Ruga Ori, Ruga Haruna, Ruga Yukka Abubakar, Ruga Duni
Kadiri, Ruga Shewuka and Ruga Shuaibu Yau.
“Among the victims were 22 children and 12 women. Four
wounded persons rescued by the security agencies are now receiving medical
attention.
“Government condemns the attacks and commiserates with the
families of the victims. Security agencies have been deployed to the area and
arrests have been made. Government urges community, traditional and religious
leaders in the area to encourage residents to avoid any reprisal attacks and to
leave the matter in the hands of the security and law enforcement agencies. The
killings are being investigated and residents are assured that indicted persons
will be prosecuted.
“Residents of Kaduna State are enjoined to uphold peace and
harmony, shun violence and allow the elections to be held in an atmosphere of
calm. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the security agencies in
person or through the following lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999.”
Signed
Samuel Aruwan
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media &
Publicity)
15th February 2019
