The governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, has condoled the people of Gaya community in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area over the recent attack by bandits that resulted in the loss of lives and property. He enjoined the people to take the carnage as an act of Allah.
The governor’s spokesperson, Yahaya Sarki, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, said the governor condoled with the people when he visited the affected community, and expressed regret at the attack.
Mr Bagudu promised to take more pungent measures to further safeguard the lives and properties of the citizenry, assuring immediate restoration of peace and unity and revamping socioeconomic activities, especially farming in the area.
According to Mr Bagudu, “It is really unfortunate that these obnoxious and deadly attacks occurred after the area had been quiet and peaceful.
“We should not allow this vicious cycle to continue and as such all hands must be on deck to provide a plausible solution to the problem.
“Security challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria as they occur everywhere. We must be fast and proactive for peace to return.”
Mr Bagudu admonished the people to regard the tragic incident as an inevitable act of the Almighty Allah that can befall any mortal.
He said: “As mere mortals who believe in faith, both as Muslims and Christians, we should regard this sad development as a trial from the Almighty Allah.
“Also, we should note that passing blame will not solve the problem. What is required is mutual trust and respect for all.
“Certainly, more arms or ammunition will not solve the problem, but respect, support and fervent prayers will do.”
Mr Bagudu again said that the state government had the powers to ban Yan Sakai, but it had not done so.
He, however, urged the vigilantes to collaborate with the security agencies, traditional rulers and the various communities to ensure the success of their activities.
While restating the need to offer immediate relief assistance and shelter to the internally displaced persons, Mr Bagudu cautioned against spreading rumours and fake news.
He also said that the loss of lives was collective and called for more patience, prayers, vigilance and mutual assistance in order to shame the detractors.
In his brief remarks, a former Senator representing the area, Gen. Muhammadu Magoro (retd) said the attacks were perpetrated from outside the country to destabilise Nigeria.
Similarly, Bala Ibn NaAllah, representing Kebbi South in the House of Representatives, urged the people to see the attack as ordained by Allah.
He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the governor to overcome the security challenges in the area.
The village head of Gaya, Ahmad Ubandoma-Gaya; Saad Amadu, the vigilante Commander, Danko Wasagu, narrated how the bandits struck and killed more than 70 people in the area.
They appealed to the governor to assist in ensuring the deployment of more security personnel to protect lives so that the people could return to their farms.
(NAN)
