Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State says seven people were confirmed killed by unknown gunmen who attacked three villages in the North-West Nigerian state over the weekend.

The governor stated this yesterday after an assessment visit of the affected areas in Birnin Gwari.
While speaking to the displaced people, he urged them to return to their houses as the villages and the entire area has been secured by security agencies.

He reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to protect their lives and properties.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Governor, Ahmed Maiyaki, Alhaji Yero said that the state government would be collaborating with the governments of Zamfara and Niger states as well as the Federal Government to address the incessant killings in Birnin Gwari villages and restore security in the area.

“Two days ago, I had an opportunity of meeting with the Zamfara State Governor, to see how we can address the situation. We have also discussed with Niger State Government to see how we can go about it and from there we would meet with the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the problem,” he said.

Governor Yero, who went to the villages by helicopter, said he is also in discussion with security agents to see how to fortify the whole area and address the security challenges facing the people.

His words: “We went to the three villages – Gwaska, Goron Dutse and Ungwan Nabango – to pay condolence visit on the people. We saw how they burnt people’s houses and how the people have deserted their houses. We went with security agencies to see how to assist them to fortify the villages against any other attacks.

“The villages are small and scattered by the river, once you crossed the river you enter into a thick forest that borders Zamfara State. We went to where the people are taking refuge where I interacted with them and advised them to go back to their houses. There is security agents are there since yesterday. I saw policemen there and we would see what to do to improve the problem.”

On provision of relief materials, Gov. Yero said the State Emergency Management Agency had already carried out an assessment in the area and provided them with foodstuff and mattresses to the victims.
“SEMA have gone to see how to help resettle the people and Birnin Gwari Local Government would also support to help the people settle back into their villages,” he said.

•Photo shows Gov. Yero.