BY EDMOND ODOK – President Muhammadu Buhari has described as “horrific” the attack on vigilantes at Yargoje forest in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State that led to the loss of many lives.
Many members of the vigilantes’ groups were ambushed and killed by the bandits as they stormed the forest to recover stolen cows.
In a statement issued Sunday by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, the President, who expressed sadness at the killings, paid tribute to all those vigilantes and family members who had been martyred on Sunday.
President Buhari said the sacrifices of the “brave men” who were re-working to prevent and punish crimes in their communities would not be forgotten.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult period. May Allah repose the soul of the deceased.”
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government says a Commission of inquiry will be inaugurated to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the killings.
The Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Bello Masari on Security Matters, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed-Katsina, disclosed this Friday night while addressing journalists at his residence in Katsina.
He stated that the government was ready to also assist the victims’ families to cushion the effects of their irreparable loss.
However, the spokesman of Katsina Police Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Gambo Isah, while confirming the incident, said certain operations were currently ongoing in the affected areas.
He assured that the Command and collaborating would leave on stone unturned in ensuring that perpetrators of the wanton killing of innocent citizens are brought to book and made to pay for their crime.
