Noah Ebije, Kaduna

No fewer than 66 persons were killed by gunmen in eight villages in Kaduna State, a few moments before the February 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The villages affected include Iri, Ruga Bahago, Ruga Daku, Ruga Ori, Ruga Haruna, Ruga Yukka Abubakar, Ruga Duni Kadiri, Ruga Shewuka and Ruga Shuaibu Yau.

Eyewitness account said the gunmen invaded the villages at about midnight, killing 66 residents after going from house to house.

Unconfirmed report said about four traditional rulers from the troubled areas have been arrested as a result of the ugly incident.

The state government has condemned the bloody attack and warned against reprisal attacks.

Governor Nasir El-rufai’s Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement called on the people of the state to shun violence to allow the elections hold peacefully.

The statement said: “The Kaduna State government has condemned the killing of 66 persons in Kajuru LGA and has warned all communities against instigating attacks or reprisals.”

The government statement said that security agencies had been deployed to the area, while arrests had been made.

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“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 LGA. 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 are now receiving medical attention.

“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 reprisal attacks 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. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the security agencies.”