8th May, 2022
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday issued a marching order to the military to secure rural areas in Zamfara State after terrorists massacred over 50 villagers on Saturday.
Bandits had attacked Damri, Sabongarin Damri and Kalahe villages in Bakura Local Government Area, and lately, Maradun and killed over 50 people.
The president, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu 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.
The President noted that while there appeared 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,” the President directed.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of the State.
He added that the combined efforts of the Federal and State governments must do all that could be done to bring an immediate end to the horrific killings.