Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, has committed to work with security authorities to bring those responsible for the deaths of 19 hunters to justice.
A team of hunters from the Duguri and Gwana Districts was on a normal patrol around the Duguri Mansur and Dajin Madam Forest regions when they were ambushed by bandits.
The robbers opened fire on the hunters as they sought to flee from Mansur village in the state’s Alkaleri Local Government Area.
In a statement on Monday by Bala’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor mourned what he characterised as a senseless act of violence by criminal forces intent on undermining peace in the state.
While extending his condolences to the families of the bereaved, the people of Alkaleri Local Government, and the entire Bauchi State, the governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty to protect their communities.
“This heinous and senseless act of violence is a painful reminder of the continued threat posed by criminal elements who seek to disrupt the peace and security of our communities.
“While the government intensifies collaboration with security forces to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice, Governor Bala Mohammed assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring that Bauchi remains a safe and peaceful state for all,” the statement added.
Bala called on communities to work hand in hand with security officials by providing timely and credible information that will assist in preventing similar terrible situations in the future.
This came as he reaffirmed the government’s unshakeable commitment to combating all forms of insecurity throughout the state.
Following the attack, Army personnel from the 33rd Artillery Brigade, police, and other security agencies were said to have initiated a combined operation to apprehend the attackers and prevent future attacks in the area.