A total of 130 persons from Kajuru local government area in Kaduna State are said to be missing after an unknown militia group struck in the area and sent many to their early graves.
Already, the Nigerian Army and police have confirmed that 66 persons were killed in what looked like a reprisal attack, warning communities against instigating attacks.
Speaking with TVC News reporter on a live interview on Saturday in Kaduna, Mallam Nasir ElRufai, Kaduna Governor, lamented that 130 persons were still missing, caused by a series of attacks resulting from ethnic intolerance.
El-Rufai recalled that “Fulani were allegedly killed. In 2018, there were attacks. Government received intelligence that there would be attacks. In fact, we are frustrated by people who are promoting the attacks.”
“I assure that Kaduna government is committed to bringing the attackers to book. Unfortunately, every High Court Judge in Kaduna has not less than 200 cases. Our judicial system is slow. Those who have lost property must be compensated to avoid reprisal attacks. We are running a transparent system in security information,” the governor stated.
Recall that Friday, the governor, in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, regretted the development and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
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 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.
“Among the victims were 22 children and 12 women. Four wounded persons rescued by the security agencies ar Mallam Nasir ElRufai, Kaduna Governor, are now receiving medical attention.’
According to the statement, “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 reprisals 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,” it added.
