* Orders security agencies to bring perpetrators to book

‎From: Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja‎

President Muhammadu Buhari  has condemned, in strong terms, Monday’s killings in Zaki Biam by unknown gunmen resulting in the loss of lives.‎

The President, who described the attack as wicked, has also directed security agencies to begin immediate investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.

‎The unknown gunmen were said to have invaded the yam market  on12 Bajaj motorcycles and four Toyota Corolla cars in ‎Zaki Ibiam town in Ukum Local Government Area of the state and started shooting at anyone at sight.

Most of those killed were said to be traders and businessmen.

The attack reportedly started around 2:00p.m., resulting in several cars and a fuel station razed.‎

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement said President‎ Buhari commiserated with the government and people of Benue State on the attack.

Buhari, while sympathising with those who lost loved ones, prayed that Almighty God would comfort the grieving families and grant the souls of the victims eternal rest.

President Buhari also condemned the wanton killings in other parts of the country and challenged security and law enforcement agencies to rise to the occasion and end what he called “this blight on the image of the country”.

He said, ‎”We must condemn inhuman and unnecessary shedding of human blood all over the country. We seem to have lost value for human life, which is sacred. Man is the glory of God’s creation and nobody has the right to unjustly and unlawfully take another person’s life in a reckless manner.”

President Buhari enjoined all citizens to learn to live together in peace and brotherhood and not allow little misunderstandings to degenerate into heartless acts capable of straining the bonds of nationhood.