President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians in two communities in Zamfara State, following attacks by suspected armed bandits.

“These horrendous acts of violence are crimes against humanity. This violence must stop,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement signed on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

While expressing his deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks, the government and people of Zamfara State, the President also wished those injured a speedy recovery.

According to the statement, following the incident, he had authorized an assessment trip to Zamfara and Sokoto States by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Baba Sadiq on Christmas and Boxing day.

Beyond that, as a way of providing better security to the area, Shehu noted that the Nigeria Police Force has deployed Special Forces in each of the local government in Zamfara State.

The Defence Headquarters has also deployed a Special Military Intervention Force comprising more than 1,000 personnel to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West.

The President, therefore, reassured residents of other states affected by insurgency such as Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger and Taraba, that their safety is an enduring commitment of his administration and he will continue to ensure that security agencies work round the clock to protect residents.

He also commended Nigerians for their support to the security agencies who according to him, have continued to demonstrate dedication, commitment and bravery even in very difficult and complex operations.

The suspected bandits attacked Birnin Magaji community in Tsafe Local Government Area and Magami community in Faru District of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara Ste on Saturday night, killing 17 people.

•Sourced from a Channels TV report

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