BY DAMOLA EMMANUEL
All hell was let loose in Kaduna State, on Friday, as gunmen raided eight villages, killing 66 persons.
Confirming the tragic development coming less than 24 hours to Nigeria’s presidential and national assembly elections, the Kaduna State Government, in a statement, said 22 children and 12 women were among the dead.
The statement signed by the government spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, named the affected villages as: Ruga Bahago, Ruga Daku, Ruga Ori, Ruga Haruna, Ruga Yukka Abubakar, Ruga Duni Kadiri, Ruga Shewuka and Ruga Shuaibu Yau; all in the Maro Gida and Iri axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai was saddened by the tragedy but assured citizens that they will be fully protected, and that the blood-baying criminal elements who unleashed the hell will face the full wrath of the law.
The governor warned all communities against instigating attacks or reprisals.
It was not clear at the time of this report if the violence was election related.
Below is the text of the government statement:
“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.”