By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Zamfara State Government has donated N30 million to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the recent boat mishap in Warrah, Warrah Local Government of Kebbi State.

This was announced on Saturday by Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle when he paid a condolence visit to his Kebbi State counterpart, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

A statement on Sunday by Yahaya Sarki Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor quoted the Zamfara State Governor saying that the money was to enable the bereaved families to purchase foodstuffs and other immediate needs.

Matawalle said: “We are in deep shock of what has happened in Ngaski Local Government, Yauri Emirate. The incident was very unfortunate.

“We are therefore here to condole with the families of the deceased persons, people and Government Kebbi State.

“This is what God has destined to happen and we are fervently praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.”

Matawalle acknowledged the efforts of Bagudu to protect the lives of the people from such unfortunate incidents.

“But God loves them more than ourselves and for taking their lives at this time.

“The only thing, Your Excellency, is to take heart and pray to Him, to grant all of you the formidable fortitude to bear the irreparable losses,” Matawalle said.

He also appreciated the sustained support of Bagudu to the government and people of Zamfara State, saying: “As our senior brother, we are only following your footsteps, to emulate what you are doing for the people of Kebbi State, to bring government closer to the people.”

Matawalle also noted what he described as the unparalleled achievements of Bagudu in agriculture, especially in rice production, describing him as a leader worthy of emulation.

He referred to Bagudu as a great leader, thanking him for his advice and support to his government.

Responding, Bagudu commended Matawalle “for the invaluable gesture, as well as the remarkable show of love and concern of Kebbi State.”

Bagudu said: “This visit and donation show the depth of love and feeling existing between the people of the two states.”

He also condoled the Zamfara Governor as some of the victims of the boat mishap were from Bukkuyum in Zamfara State.

“We are sincerely appreciating this invaluable gesture as it has demonstrated your benevolence and love to the people of Kebbi State,” Bagudu said.

He equally noted the tremendous achievements recorded by Matawalle in so short a time that he has being the Governor of Zamfara State in security and infrastructural development.

He said the achievements have endeared Matawalle to the heart of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Kebbi State Governor further lauded the Zamfara Governor for following the footsteps of his predecessors in sustaining the mutual bond of relationship between the two states.