By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Tuesday condoled the families of those killed as a result of bandits’ attacks in Munhaye village of Danko Wasagu Local Government area of Kebbi State.

This is just as the Governor sued for lasting peace and unity across the state, as well as Nigeria, in general.

Speaking during a condolence visit to Munhaye Community, the Governor expressed deep regret with the unfortunate attack in Munhaye village, Danko Wasagu, resulting in the loss of lives including two soldiers killed by the bandits.

According to Bagudu, “I am here to assess the situation sequel to the dastardly attacks and see things for myself.

“I am also here to express my sincere condolences to the bereaved families, as well as pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased persons.

“I am also fervently praying for the speedy recovery of the injured persons, as well as the recovery of the missing ones.”

Bagudu also acknowledged the invaluable and patriotic efforts of the Officers and men of the various security agencies, especially the military working and sacrificing their lives, round the clock, to ensure the prevalence of peace.

He also lamented that some of them had paid the supreme prize with their lives, in the bid to combat the myriad of security challenges.

The Governor further stressed that dialogue was the most appropriate option to any problem and misunderstandings.

He said that, without dialogue, such emerging security challenges will only be aggravated.

He appealed to people in the community to be tolerant with each other, saying that “being tolerant with each other is the only panacea for peace.”

Bagudu stressed the need for all and sundry to be patient and tolerant with each other, as well as be each other’s brother’s keeper.

He also pointed out that in every tribe there were some bad elements which are capable of causing violence, hence the need for such bad eggs to be identified and handed over to relevant authorities for law to take its course.

The governor while promising government’s assistance to the victims, called for synergy among the traditional rulers, security agencies and the community.

Earlier, the Chairman of Danko Wasagu Local Government, Suleiman Sahabi and the Chief of Wasagu Chiefdom, Muktar Muhammad thanked and appreciated the visit and commended the governor for his concern about the security of lives in the area since the onset of insecurity in their localities.

Hon Hamza Haliru Wasagu, representing Danko Wasagu constituency in the State House of Assembly also thanked the governor for the commiseration visit, he appealed for the presence of more security in the area.

He acknowledged the concerted efforts taken by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and how concerned he is about the situation in the area.

The lawmaker called on people of the area to see the situation as destined by God and only Him (God) can salvage the situation with sustained prayers from them.

In his remarks, Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah, representing Kebbi South, after commiserating with the community, explained that the federal government with Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu would take whatever measure necessary to restore lasting peace in the area.

He thanked the security for their resilience and sacrifice while calling on the community members to provide credible intelligence information to security agencies.

He expressed optimism that the situation would be under control. “I am optimistic that we will overcome this problem to an end,” he assured.

The Senator sincerely thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku for his efforts as well as developing a strategy to end the security challenge in the area.

Earlier before addressing the Munhaye Community, the governor and his entourage went round the village to commiserate with the people where the village head, Malan Hamza Munhaye narrated how the village was attacked by the bandits.

One of the vigilante in the village, Yohana John, while commending the governor, also appealed for presence of more security, according to him, bandits infiltrate from Zamfara to cause havoc in their Community.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu made a stopover at Bena where he also commiserated with the people and promised government’s assistance.

The Special Adviser, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Sani Dododo, announced the arrival of twelve trailers loaded with relief assistance from Kebbi State Government for onward distribution to 700 IDPs in the area.

The governor then proceeded to the 223 Light Tank Battalion, Zuru where he condoled the Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel B.M. Abdullahi, and the Barracks community over the death of two soldiers who lost their lives in Munhaye village following attack by bandits.

At the town hall meeting in Zuru, governor Bagudu reiterated his call for peace, synergy between the security agencies and the community.

He also reiterated his call for tolerance with one another.

The emir on his part, after commending the unrelenting efforts of the governor for peace in Zuru emirate, promised to ensure an end to the lingering security problem in the emirate.

News Express reports that bandits attacked Munhaye Community last Saturday, killing over 20 people and two soldiers.

The governor was accompanied by Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and other dignitaries. The Head of Service, Alhaji Sufyanu Bena, Special Adviser Security rtd Garba Rabiu Kamba that of SEMA, Alhaji Sani Dododo, Chairmen of Zuru, Fakai, Danko Wasagu, Sakaba and traditional leaders of the four local government areas including politicians received the governor at the airstrip in Zuru.

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