The Kaduna State government, has denied media reports that 16 Kano indigenes were killed by bandits along the busy Kaduna-Abuja Road on Wednesday. The government said those that died were as a result of a ghastly motor accident and were not killed by bandits, as widely reported.
According to the statement by the Kaduna state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan who posted photos from what supposed to be the scene of the accident, said the accident which killed the 16 Kano indigenes happened along the Rigachikun axis of Kaduna-Zaria road.
He said the accident happened as a result of a burst tyre, and not bandits related as being reported in the media.
He said:
“The story that 16 indigenes of Kano State were killed by bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja Road is incorrect and misleading. The fact is, they perished at the Rigachikun axis of Kaduna-Zaria Road in a road accident following a burst tyre,” he said.
He continued:
“Our deep condolences go to their families, as we pray that their souls rest in peace. We also wish those who sustained injuries speedy recovery. We will respond appropriately if the need arises,” he added.
There were media reports ( we did not report the story, as we could not verify the news), that 16 travellers were killed by unknown gunmen on Wednesday along Abuja-Kaduna expressway on their way back to Kano from a business trip.
The report added that the 16 Kano indigenes were from Dambatta local government, and were conveyed in a private vehicle and met their untimely death on the Abuja-Kaduna high way.
In a condolence message signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abba Anwar, Ganduje expressed devastation on the tragic development.
“We were shocked with the bad news of the death of 16 Dambatta indigenes on Abuja-Kaduna highway, who were travelling from Abuja to Kano, as a result of an attack from unidentified gunmen.
The news is devastating and frustrating. We commiserate with the families of the deceased, the people of Dambatta local government, and the people of Kano state.
“May Allah accept their martyrdom and may He punish all the perpetrators of this heinous act. There is nothing more shocking than this. We urge people to pray fervently for the reposed souls. And we pray that may Allah give their families the fortitude to bear the great loss.”
“On behalf of the government and people of Kano state, I am condoling with the families of the deceased and the people of Dambatta local government, over this tragedy. May Allah forgive all their wrongdoings and reward their good deeds,” he prayed.