President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and outrage over the killing of 16 persons in Omoku, Rivers State and that of a traditional ruler in Sango in Kaduna State.
A traditional ruler, the Etum Numana, Dr. Gambo Makama, and his wife in Sango Local Government Area of Kaduna State were killed.
The 16 persons, including women and children, who returning from New Year cross-over in Omoku were confirmed killed by gunmen.
The President, who described the incidents as “reprehensible and unacceptable,” directed law enforcement agencies in both states to intensify their current efforts in order to speedily bring the perpetrators to face the wrath of the law.
“I have always maintained that nothing justifies the taking of the life of an innocent person.
“People in our communities must learn to live peacefully.”
Buhari appealed to the communities affected not to embark on reprisal attacks, but allow the security agencies to carry out comprehensive investigations to properly punish the culprits.
A statement on Tuesday by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said Buhari commiserated with the families of the victims.