The Kano and Kaduna states have clashed over the death of no fewer than 16 indigenes of Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State who died along Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
Surprisingly, the two northern states released different press statements regarding the incident.
On Thursday, the Kano State government released a statement that unknown gunmen have killed no fewer than 16 indigenes of Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State along Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
A source in Dambatta council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims, all males, died on Tuesday when the gunmen shot the tyre of the vehicle (a bus) that was conveying them from Abuja back to Kano.
The source said the action of the gunmen resulted in the accident leading to the death of all the persons in the bus.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, on Thursday, confirmed the killing of the indigenes in a condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar to the families of the deceased.
The governor described the news of the incident as devastating and frustrating.
The statement read: “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.
“May Allah accept their martyrdom and may He punish all the perpetrators of this heinous act.
There is nothing more shocking than this,” the governor lamented.
He urged people to pray fervently for the reposed their souls and prayed 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,” Ganduje added.
But the Kaduna State government has refuted media reports that Kano indigenes travelling on Abuja-kaduna road were killed by Kidnappers, saying, the indigenes died following an accident that occurred at the Rigachikun axis of the state.
A statement by the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan Thursday night, said, “The story that 16 indigenes of Kano State were killed by bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja Road is incorrect and misleading.
According to the statement,
“The fact is, they perished at the Rigachikun axis of Kaduna-Zaria Road in a road accident following a burst tyre.
“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,” The statement added.
