President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigerian Army to join the Police and flush out armed bandits from forests around the country, particularly in the areas that witnessed recent attacks.
The President gave the directive in response to the killing of 22 people in Sokoto State, whose community was attacked by armed bandits as well as the reported killing of 10 others in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
On Thursday, no fewer than 22 persons lost their lives in Gangara village of Sabin Birni Local Government of Sokoto State when hundreds of the bandits on motorcycles attacked the community, shooting sporadically.
In a quick response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has already got in touch with the General Officers Commanding the army formations in the affected states, directing them to reinforce the police efforts to track the bandits and bring them to justice.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, President Buhari also commiserated with the governments and people of the two states, assuring Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Simon Lalong of the federal government’s support in bringing an end to the spate of attacks in the regions.
He prayed that Allah would comfort those who lost beloved family members and friends in the attacks.