From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris has condoled with the people of Mera in Augie Local Government Area of the state following an attack on the community by a group of bandits.
The governor also donated the sum of N50 million to the families of the deceased.
A group of gunmen said to be members of the terror group Lukakawas from Sokoto had on Friday stormed Mera village, located in Augie, Argungu Emirate, and stolen cattle. In an attempt to retrieve their cows, 15 villagers were killed, with two suspected terrorists reportedly dying in the confrontation.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, confirmed the incident in a statement to the media in Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, “Governor Idris, who presented the donation during a condolence visit to the bereaved families at Mera, described the incident as ugly and very unfortunate.
“Represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education in the state, Hon. Isah Abubakar-Tunga, the Governor urged the people to remain prayerful for the souls of the deceased.
“On behalf of Kebbi State Government, we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, as well as the people of Mera.
“We pray for the repose souls of the deceased and urge the family to take heart and accept the will of God Almighty in good faith,” he said.
While assuring that the government is doing everything possible to reduce crime in the state, the governor, according to the statement, urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by supplying them with credible intelligence.