Buhari expresses outrage over large scale Zamfara massacre

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed outrage over the killing of some villagers by terrorists in Zamfara State.

According to a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) on Saturday, while reacting to the reports on the killing, Buhari also assured that he would not abandon people in the communities to their fate.

The statement quoted him as saying: “The latest attack on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces who are well equipped to effectively confront these enemies of humanity.

“In keeping with my commitment to tackle the monster of terrorism head-on, let me reassure these besieged communities and other Nigerians that this government will not abandon them to their fate because we are more than ever determined to get rid of these outlaws.

“These criminals will be history because we are not going to relent in our current military operations to get rid of these thugs who have been terrorising innocent people.”

President Buhari appealed to the affected communities for patience, saying “we are fiercely determined to smoke out and destroy these outlaws who have no regard for the sanctity of life.”

While extending his sympathy to the survivors and families of those killed, President Buhari said that “the army and the air force are working together to get rid of these callous criminals as they acquire more equipment to track down and eliminate criminal gangs that are subjecting innocent people to the reign of terror, including illegal imposition of taxes on the communities under siege.”

Zamfara government confirms killing of 58 people, as terrorists set 5 communities ablaze

GOVERNOR of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has disclosed that only 58 persons were killed by fleeing armed bandits. 

It was gathered that the bandits, who were fleeing as a result of ongoing military operations, were trying to leave the state with large number of animals when they attacked some villages in the two local government areas. 

The governor was answering questions from newsmen on Saturday evening shortly after he paid a condolence visit to Emirs of Bukkuyum and Anka over the attacks in their respective emirates in the state. 

During the visit, Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed and that of Bukkuyum, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, confirmed that 36 people were killed in Bukkuyum while 22 were killed in Anka. 

Alhaji Ahmed said 22 persons were confirmed dead within Anka emirate in the district of Waramu. 

He added further that 21 persons earlier said to have died were found in Talata Mafara taking refuge, adding that four out of seven affected communities were set ablaze. 

“Although not all the houses of those communities were burnt, the committee on assessment will bring up details of the damage and losses recorded from the attacks,” he added. 

Also, the Emir of Bukkuyum confirmed the killing of 36 people in Kurfa Dunya community of Bukkuyum Local Government. 

He said the community was also set ablaze with a majority of the houses burnt. 

Governor Matawalle promised to make all necessary arrangement to secure and restore peace in the affected communities. 

He directed the committee on damage assessment to provide details of required items needed to repair affected houses. 

Meanwhile, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has condemned the attacks, calling for peace that could help transform the country’s economy. 

The former Senate President in a statement released by Olu Onemola through his media office mourned what it described as terrible attacks in both Anka and Bukkuyum LGAs in Zamfara State, adding that “we owe the families and all other affected communities across the nation a brighter future.” 

He recalled how in 2013, during the #SaveBagega lead poisoning crisis, he spent some time with the people of Anka council, in Zamfara, saying he met a determined and resilient community that worked hard to build a buoyant local economy. 

“My heart goes out to the families and communities that have experienced the tragic loss and injury of loved ones, the destruction of their property, and the interruption of their livelihoods. “Today, that same vibrant community has become a place of carnage. My heart is heavy, and truly there’s anger too because we cannot continue like this. We must find long-lasting solutions to this insecurity. We will, In sha Allah. 

“I believe that this brighter future is possible because I have experienced first hand the desire and enthusiasm that the people in Anka, Bukkuyum, and other similar communities have shown for a better life and a more secure future. 

“It is my prayer that with lasting peace and determined leadership, a place like Anka can one day become one of the highest income per capita communities in Nigeria. However, for this to happen, we must be decisive, thorough, and relentless about securing the lives and property of all Nigerians,” Saraki stated.