Buhari express 'deep sadness' over killing of 29 civilians by herdsmen

17 Octobre 2017

Abuja, Nigeria, October 17 (Infosplusgabon) - Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday night said he received with “deep sadness and regret,” news of the killing of 29 civilians in the north central state of Plateau.

He has also instructed the military and the police to not only bring the violence to an instant end, but also draw up a plan to ensure that there are no further attacks and reprisal attacks by one group against the other.

The 29 were killed on Saturday night in a reprisal attack perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen.

Presidential Spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said in a statement that President Buhari believes that “this madness has gone too far”.

According to Shehu, “President Buhari is devoted to the sanctity of Nigeria’s unity, and he encourages Nigerians of all groups to learn to live together in peace and harmony.”

He also said the President commiserates with the governor and people of Plateau State, and with those who lost their loved ones, friends and family.

On Monday evening, the President of Irigwe Development Association, Mr Sunday Abdu, who confirmed the killings, said the victims were hacked to death in a classroom in early morning attacks at Nkyie-Doghwro community of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Mr Abdu said that 27 of the 29 persons killed have been given a mass burial.

Mr. Abdu said in a press conference in Jos, capital of Plateau State, that the killings in the Bassa Council have continued despite a dusk to dawn curfew declared there on Friday by the state government.

Mr. Abdu said seven communities have been attacked within one month adding that 41 persons have been killed in the attacks.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/IKL/GABON 2017

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