About fifty eight (58) people were reported killed in an attack by terrorists in Zamfara State on Tuesday, 4th January, 2022. Meanwhile an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has sent a message of condolence to the state governor, Bello Muhammad Mutawalle.
In the condolence message made available to journalists on Monday, 10th January, 2022, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC’s director, described the killings as callous, disheartening, horrific and barbaric.
The message reads:
“About fifty eight (58) people were reported killed in a three-day reprisal attacks by terrorists in Zamfara State which began on Tuesday, 4th January, 2022 and lasted till Thursday. 6th January 2022. About 300 terrorists on motor-cycles stormed eight villages in Anka Local Government area of the state on Tuesday and another ten villages in Bukkuyum district on Wednesday and Thursday. They killed at random.
“We strongly condemn these killings. They are callous, cowardly, disheartening, horrific and barbaric. We call on the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators. They must be held accountable. People who turn children, wives and husbands into orphans, widows and widowers respectively overnight are heartless beasts. They deserve no mercy.
“The killings are believed to be reprisal attacks carried out in revenge for terrorists killed during air raids by the Nigerian military fighter jets last week. The air raids reportedly killed some leaders of the terrorist groups as well as tens of their foot soldiers.
“This killing of unarmed civilians should not discourage the military. It merely shows that the bandits are feeling the pressure. We call for more pounding from the air. Terrorists must have no place to hide. They must be hounded from pillar to post until they all surrender or they are totally eliminated. Nigeria will not be defeated by sadistic renegades, rebellious subjects and enemies of peace.
“MURIC commiserates with the governor of Zamfara State, Bello Muhammad Mutawalle, over the horrific killings. We also condole with members of the state executive, the traditional rulers and the good people of the state. Our hearts bleed for the bereaved families. May Allah have mercy on the direct victims and give their families the fortitude to bear the losses.”
