Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto led members of the state executive and security councils, as well as other top government officials on a condolence visit to the people of Illela, a border town about 97 kilometers from the state capital.
Armed marauders had attacked villages around Illela in the wee hours Monday, killing 13 people. However, at the time of the Governor’s visit on Wednesday afternoon the death toll had risen to 43.
Some of the villages attacked are Kalmalo, Munwadata, Sarwa, Runji, and Masasa. A leader of one of the villages was killed during the attack.
Tambuwal told the bereaved audience that he was deeply upset and torched by the incident. He, however, commended the local government authorities and traditional leaders for their lawful composition of a volunteer group that are working in collaboration with the security operatives in the area.
He said the joint operations of “legitimately constituted” volunteers that work closely with and under the supervision of security agencies was the appropriate antidote to the crisis.
He appealed to the people of the area not to be daunted by the recent attack, but to be motivated to redouble their efforts to secure their communities.
The Governor assured them of sustained government assistance “whenever required”, while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
“I, once again, urge you to be patient and prayerful. I am delighted with the communal efforts at cooperation and prayers, led by the monarchs and community leaders here, being offered for the intercession of God in bringing us peace. Please, do not relent. May Allah grant us peace and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE had earlier quoted the governor to have said that 12 people were killed by bandits in Illela and three in Goronyo community.
