Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal has enjoined citizens to remain patient and prayerful following the killing of at least 43 persons by bandits in the border town of Illela earlier in the week.

Mr Tambuwal, while on condolence visit to Illela, said the attack was “upsetting”, saying citizens should turn to God for peace and security of their lives and properties.

“I, once again, urge you to be patient and prayerful,” Mr Tambuwal was quoted to have said in a statement by his spokesperson Mohammad Bello on Wednesday.

Lamenting the attack, Mr Tambuwal said “This is not a small occurrence. It is upsetting,” he stated, emphasising that: “this incident really touched us. At Wednesday death toll had risen to 43.”

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a statement by his spokesperson Garba Shehu said bandits are living in fool’s paradise.

“The bandits are living in a fool’s paradise if they believe that they can’t be crushed. The criminals cannot be lucky always; they will ultimately meet their Waterloo. Evil cannot triumph over good no matter how long it takes,” Mr Buhari said