Abuja – The All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP) has said it received the news of the “gruesome” murder of 20 villagers in Kaboro, Zamfara, on Tuesday with shock.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Emma Eneukwu, in Abuja.

“It is very disheartening the trauma that the survivors of this heinous act went through as their night rest was interrupted by gunmen, resulting in deaths and sorrows of the villagers.

“ Most disheartening is the reported story that the criminals came into the village calling on residents of the area to remain indoors and ensure that their money and other valuables were kept within reach,” it recalled.

ANPP condemned the killing describing it as “wickedness against fellow citizens in the country.”

“ Just a couple of weeks ago, Dogon Dawa village in Birnin Gwari Local Government of Kaduna State was attacked in a similar way resulting in the death of over 24 villagers.

“ Worst still, Zamfara was in June this year, attacked by a gang of robbers who invaded Dan-Gulbi and Guru Villages, to attack defenceless villagers, leaving scores of Nigerian citizens dead,” it added

The party expressed regret that with so much money voted annually for security, ”one wonders what other stimulus is needed by the security sector in order to ensure the security of lives and property of Nigerians.”

It urged the Federal Government to put in place a security network that would include the hinterland, remote settlements and other rural clusters.

The ANPP called on the police to rise to their responsibilities by investigating the remote and immediate causes of the act in order to avoid recurrence.

ANPP also urged the government to see the protection of lives and property of its citizens as its first duty. (NAN)