- No fewer than 66 people have been killed in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State.
- The governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, confirmed the incident while speaking on TV Continental, on Friday.
He said two people had already been arrested on the case as security agencies had commenced investigation into it.
He disclosed that he would visit the areas affected on Saturday.
His government has also issued a statement on the development.
The statement was issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan.
The spokesman explained that the killing was carried out at Maro Gida and Iri areas of Kajuru local government area.
The settlements affected include Ruga Bahago; Ruga Daku; Ruga Ori; Ruga Haruna; Ruga Yukka Abubakar; Ruga Duni Kadiri; Ruga Shewuka and Ruga Shuaibu Yau.
According to him, no fewer than 22 children and twelve women were among the victims.
The statement reads:
“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.”
