Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, on Friday, confirmed the death of 66 people in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, regretted the development and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said 22 children and 12 women were killed.
The governor’s statement did not explain details of the incident, especially the actual day that the incident took place.
The statement read, “The Kaduna State Government has condemned the killing of 66 persons in Kajuru LGA and has warned all communities against instigating attacks or reprisals.
“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 Local Government Area.
“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 reprisals 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 in person or through the following lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999.”
The State Police Spokesman, DSP Yakubu Sabo, had yet to answer calls to his mobile telephone as of the time of filing this report.