Less than 24 hours to the conduct of the presidential and parliamentary
elections in Nigeria, no fewer than 66 persons have been killed by unknown
gunmen in Kajuru local government of Kaduna state.
The Media aide of the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, Samuel
Aruwan, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday said among the victims
were 22 children and 12 women, adding that security agencies are already
on the trail of the assailants.
The statement read: “The Kaduna State Government has condemned the killing
of 66 persons in Kajuru LGA and has warned all communities against
instigating attacks or reprisals.
“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.”