LAGOS, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday condemned in strongest terms the senseless attacks during the new year celebration, which caused numerous deaths and injuries among civilians.
In a statement reaching Xinhua in Lagos, the country's economic hub, the Nigerian leader described the incidents as reprehensible and unacceptable.
In northern Kaduna state, unknown gunmen in the early hours of Monday killed a traditional ruler in Sanga area of the state and his wife.
Similarly, unknown gunmen on Jan. 1 killed at least 16 persons, including women and children, who were on their way back from the New Year cross-over church service in Omoku area of oil rich Rivers State.
On his part, Samuel Ortom, the governor of central north Benue, said herdsmen had killed up to 50 persons between Monday and Tuesday in Guma and Logo areas of the state.
Buhari directed law enforcement agencies in both states to intensify their current efforts in order to speedily bring the perpetrators to face the wrath of the law.
The president appealed to the communities affected not to embark on reprisal attacks.
He enjoined them to allow the security agencies to carry out comprehensive investigations to properly punish the culprits.
Buhari commiserated with the families of the victims and wished the injured faster recovery.
