President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday “commended the Military for the incessant onslaught and for not showing any let up as they continue to achieve positive outcomes based on their current operational trajectory in the Northwest and particularly Zamfara State which has been a hotbed of criminal activity.”
In a spin statement on the killing of 48 persons in Bakura Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State and signed by Presidential Spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari “noted that while there appears to be relative calm in the State, with situations returning to normal in most parts and the rural communities ready to live their lives normally again, there had been several breaches, especially in view of the bandits’ attack on Damri, Sabongarin Damri and Kalahe villages in Bakura Local Government Area, and lately, Maradun, where a number of casualties were recorded.
“We mustn’t allow the return of days when the bandits had a free hand to do as they wished. The rural folk in Zamfara and elsewhere must be allowed to have peace. Therefore, the momentum that has been developed must be sustained in order to bring closure to the activities of these murderers.
“He (President) expressed condolences to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of the State, adding that the combined efforts of the Federal and State governments must do all that can be done to bring an immediate end to the horrific killings.”
The 48 persons were killed in deadly attacks by terrorists in three communities – Sabon Gari Damri, Damri and Kalahe in Bakura LGA of Zamfara State
Sole Administrator of Bakura LGA, Aminu Suleiman, who confirmed the attack on Saturday said the terrorists, in their large numbers and riding on motorcycles, launched an attack via Sabon Gari Damri village around 2pm on Friday.
They reportedly killed nine people and then proceeded to Damri community where they killed four persons including a Police officer and personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The outlaws also set ablaze a Hilux vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Police.
The terrorists then killed eight persons in Kalahe community, a village between Sabon Gari Damri and Damri town
According to Suleiman, the terrorists attacked a healthcare facility in Damri town and killed some patients who were receiving treatment in the hospital.
“The bandits in their large number were on motorcycles with three persons on each motorcycle first attacked Sabon Gari Damri and killed four people,” he said.
“Gradually they entered Damri town, burnt one Hilux vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Police, they killed one Police officer also and one Civil Defence officer.”
According to the Council Boss, the military engaged the terrorists in Damri community in a fierce gun battle which forced them to retreat back to Sabon Gari Damri and kill 26 persons.
“Military personnels entered the town and exchange fire and forced the bandits to move back to Sabon Gari Damri, after killing nine people at the village, they went back and killed about twenty-one people.”
Suleiman confirmed that a total of 48 people were killed during the attacks.
And as is normal with their operations, Police authorities in the State refused to comment on the latest attack.