66 people killed on the eve of Nigeria’s Presidential election

KAJURU, Kaduna, Nigeria – At least 66 people were today killed in Kajuru, Local Government in Kaduna, less than 24 hours to the Presidential election slated for Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019.

They were killed by unknown assailants, throwing the whole area into confusion with many apprehensive about the election. Among those killed are 22 children and 12 women.

Speaking on the incident, Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai said the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

In a statement confirming the incident, Senior Special Assitant to the governor on Media and Publicity,  Samuel Aruwan said four other persons were rescued during the attack and that those who sustained injuries are receiving medical attention.

“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”, he said, adding that the killings are being investigated and residents are assured that indicted persons will be prosecuted.

He adviced residents to shun violence and allow the elections to be held in an atmosphere of calm and that any suspicious activity should be reported to the security agencies in person or through the following lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999.