Zamfra State governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, has directed security agencies in the state to apprehend those behind the gruesome murder of 44 people at Birane village in Zurmi Local government Area.
Forty- four people were on Wednesday reportedly killed, while several others sustained serious injuries when some gunmen attacked a truck conveying people at Birane village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The hoodlums reportedly ambushed and attacked the truck loaded with women and children who left Birane village around 5:00 pm to attend a wedding ceremony in a neighbouring village.
The hoodlums, according to sources, on sighting the truck, allegedly opened fire at them. About 30 of the passengers were killed on the spot, while 14 others that survived the gunshots were reportedly set ablaze.
It was learnt that among those killed was a married woman with her 3 children identified as Dan Gwaggo Maifata who arrived the scene on a motorcycle.
An eyewitness said the hoodlums asked all the women on the truck to come down after they had slaughtered the driver, and they began to slaughter them one after the other and reloaded the corpses back on the truck and set them ablaze.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Shehu Muhammad, confirmed the incident, adding that members of the vigilante group in partnership with local hunters are inside the bush in search of the hoodlums.
However, he said “the Command is yet to ascertain the number of casualties.”
While commiserating with the bereaved families in a statement signed by the Director of Press, Government House, Gusau, Aminu Ibrahim, Yari described the attack as barbaric carried out by unscrupulous criminal elements.
The governor directed security agencies in the state to go after the criminals and apprehend them, saying his government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of its citizens.
The governor urged individuals, groups and institutions to remain vigilant and report any suspicious situation to the nearest security outfit, for necessary action.