Many persons have been killed after bandits attacked six villages in Zamfara State on Friday, the state government has said.
In a statement on Friday, signed by the Press Secretary to the state governor, Jamilu Magaji, the bandits invaded Damaga, Jihiya, Shandame, Gidan Runji, and Daki Hudu villages all in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
The statement added that the gunmen also stormed Kizara in Tsafe Local Government Area and killed scores of the villagers.
Magaji explained that the state governor, Bello Matawalle, had to cancel his official engagements in Sokoto State because of the attacks.
According to him, the governor immediately returned to Zamfara to sympathise with the victims of the attacks in the two local councils.
“Governor Bello Matawalle who was in Sokoto for three official engagements which include the joint convocation ceremony of Sokoto State University alongside Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Grand Mauloud Ceremony of Prophet Muhammad SAW, and the Historic turbanning ceremony of Shettiman Sokoto by the Sultan of Sokoto which has been conferred on him, cancelled all the events and proceeded to Maradun town in order to sympathise and condole with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks,” the statement read.
Magaji said the governor has condemned the attack in its entirety and directed security agencies in the state to bring an end to the activities of bandits and bring lasting peace to the state.
The governor sent a high-powered state government delegation led by the deputy governor, Mahadi Gusau, to Tsafe to sympathise with the victims of the attack in Kizara village.
He also directed traditional rulers and local government chairmen to intensify efforts aimed at monitoring the influx of suspicious characters in their domains.
Matawalle also appealed to Islamic scholars in all parts of the state to intensify prayers for the return of peace and harmony in the state.
He was hopeful that with fervent prayers, peace and tranquillity would reign in Zamfara so that residents can continue to sleep with their two eyes closed.
