Crime
Sokoto Attack: Death toll rises to 43
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, has confirmed that 43 persons were killed during the attack by bandits in the state on Sunday night.
The governor revealed this after his visit to Illela, one of the areas affected by the attack.
A group of unidentified gunmen had attacked communities on Sunday night and Monday morning, killing many residents of the village in the process.
Three days after the attack, Governor Tambuwal led members of the State Executive Council and security chiefs, as well as other top government officials on a condolence visit to the residents of the affected communities on Wednesday.
Tambuwal who had earlier stated that 15 persons were confirmed killed by the assailants, later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 43.
It was gathered that a District Head in one of the five villages attacked during the midnight raid was wounded.
While condoling with the people, Tambuwal described the attack as unfortunate, upsetting and disheartening.
He commended the local government authorities, monarchs and community leaders for their lawful composition of a volunteer group working in tandem with the security operatives in the area.
He said the state government will not support the constitution of illegitimate vigilante group working in disagreement with the joint operations of legitimately constituted volunteers, who work closely with and under the supervision of security agencies.
He appealed to the people of the area not to be discouraged by the recent attack, but to be motivated and redouble their efforts, without seeking revenge, in securing their communities.
The governor equally assured them of sustained government assistance whenever required while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
