Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the families of military and police officers killed in a recent attack in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State of the Federal Government’s continued support.
Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi while leading a Federal Government delegation on a condolence visit to Governor Nasir Idris over the killing of security personnel and the death of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Zuru, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on April 7.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President reiterated the administration’s resolve not to allow the sacrifices and gallantry of the nation’s security personnel to be in vain.
“We are here in Kebbi at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you and register our profound condolences over the sad developments in your state in the past couple of days,” Shettima said.
He expressed sympathy over the death of the state assembly speaker, the destruction of communities in Shanga Local Government Area and the killing of 11 security officers.
“Our hearts are with you, the security establishment in Kebbi State and the government and people of Kebbi,” he added.
The Vice President disclosed that the President had directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the families of the fallen officers and to communities displaced by the attacks.
Shettima said the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, accompanied the delegation to ensure that adequate support and relief reach affected communities.
“The President also instructed me to come with the Director-General of NEMA to ensure adequate measures are put in place to give succour and support to the displaced communities,” he said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased and asked Allah to grant them eternal rest while giving the families and people of Kebbi State the strength to bear the loss.
The Vice President also commended Governor Idris for his developmental strides in the state, particularly in infrastructure and education over the past three years.
“Kebbi is home. I would have loved to come on a much more joyous occasion to celebrate with his Excellency. The infrastructural development is excellent, and there has been very good investment in education,” Shettima said.
He also extended condolences to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, over the recent death of his sister.
In his response, Governor Nasir Idris said security agencies in the state were working closely with the state government to tackle security challenges and improve responses to threats.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for sending a high-powered delegation led by the Vice President to sympathise with the people of Kebbi State.
The governor revealed that the state government had already donated ₦60 million to the families of the 11 slain officers as support.
Idris also said communities displaced by bandit attacks had been resettled and that additional security measures were being implemented to prevent a recurrence.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Zuru, Sanusi Mikailu Sami, prayed for peaceful coexistence in Kebbi State and across Nigeria during the condolence visit.
Members of the Vice President’s entourage included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; and the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo Umar, among others.
