Nigeria decides: Buhari reacts as 66 die in Kaduna attack

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he is “pained beyond words” by the news of the new wave of killings on election eve in Kaduna State.

Buhari , who reacted to the reported killings in Kajuru local government area, Kaduna State, in a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, described the incident as an “act of cowardice”

He assured that security forces would investigate and apprehend all those involved.

“The perpetrators of this mayhem will not go unpunished,’’ he said.

The President said the action will not distract the nation from the elections starting on Saturday, assuring that his government was determined to foil the designs of those who are bent on disrupting the exercise.

FAZENOTETV had reported that Kaduna State government had on Friday evening, in a statement, confirmed that 66 persons were killed by unidentified gunmen in Kajuru local government of the state.

The government condemned the killing of 66 persons in Kajuru LGA and has warned all communities against instigating attacks or reprisals.

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

“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. “