The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the killing of 41 persons in Bakori local government area of Katsina State by terrorists.
Atiku’s condemnation comes amid reports that casualties in the terrorist attacks on some communities in Bakori and Kankara LGAs of the state have so far risen to 84.
No fewer than 41 members of vigilante group and residents were confirmed killed in an ambush by terrorists as an unspecified number were injured in Kankara LGA on Thursday evening, Daily Trust reports.
“They (terrorists) attacked the residence of one Muntari in Bakori town last Wednesday night and rustled hundreds of his domestic animals. Following the development, some local vigilantes organised themselves the next day (Thursday) and traced the terrorists to Gidan Gamji Village where they engaged them in a gun battle.
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“Sadly, the terrorists killed 44 of them (vigilantes) and injured many others who are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals in Bakori and Kankara. As we speak, we recovered 44 dead bodies so far and search parties, including soldiers and policemen are in the forest searching for more bodies,” THISDAY quoted a resident of Kankara, Abba Usman, as saying.
Quoting the THISDAY report, Atiku said that the government must be ready to do everything necessary to stop the attacks.
“The terrorist attack on Bakori, where no fewer than 41 people were reportedly killed, is yet another ugly episode of the senseless killings of Nigerians on account of terror attacks.
“A multi-sectoral initiative that will evaluate how to decimate the capacity of these terrorists should be on the table. We must be ready to do all that it takes to put a stop to these attacks.
“My condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, including the people and government of Katsina State.
“I pray for the souls of the dead to rest in peace and for God to return peace to Nigeria,” the former Vice President said.