The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq has revealed that more than 10, 000 people have been rendered homeless while scores are still missing in fresh attacks on Zamfara communities where bandits killed over 200 citizens.
Mrs Umar-Farouq, who also hails from the state said homes were razed after over 500 bandits arrived the villages on motorcycles.
“More than 500 bandits on motorcycles reportedly attacked five villages and razed their homes after killing over 200 people,” she said in a statement by her media aide, Nneka Anibeze.
Condemning the killings in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government areas of the state, the minister described it as horrific.
“This is horrific and tragic. Over 200 persons were buried due to the invasion by bandits. We are very saddened by this incessant invasion and killings by bandits and we are also worried about the displaced persons, who are fleeing in their hundreds from their communities, especially women and children,” Mrs Umar-Farouq said.
“We sympathise with the government and people of Zamfara in this trying period and condole with the families of the dead.
“We pray for the repose of their souls and that peace returns to the state as soon as possible,” she said.
Mrs Umar-Farouq also directed that relief materials be sent to internally displaced persons in the state to cushion the effects of the sudden displacement.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement shared on his Facebook page, asked Zamfara communities to exercise “patience.”
“I appeal for patience from the affected communities,” Mr Buhari said, “even as I extend our deepest condolences to the survivors and the families of those killed.
(NAN)