By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned that corrupt, unscrupulous or unsympathetic elements must not be allowed any room to selfishly corner or divert any relief materials meant for the victims of the army bombing of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State, as is often the case in the aftermath of disasters.

This is contained in a communique issued Thursday night by Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, National Publicity Secretary, containing the resolutions at a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the National Executive Council (NEC) held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

The meeting was presided over by Chairman, BOT, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse. Also in attendance were the newly appointed Chairman of NEC, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman, Members of NEC as well as leaders of State chapters of ACF across the 19 Northern states and Nigeria.

The meeting resolved to issue the following statement:

“ACF expressed satisfaction with the response of the Federal and Kaduna State Governments, organizations and the general public to the plight of victims of 7th December, 2023, bomb attack by the Nigerian Army at Tudun Biri, Kaduna State on 7th December, 2023.

“Particularly commendable has been the various visits by various delegations of the Federal Government including the Vice President, Ministers of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and other officials to the Tudun Biri community to condole families of the deceased and to commiserate with injured victims receiving treatment in hospitals across Kaduna metropolis.

Equally commendable was the promise of compensation, free treatment to the injured by the Kaduna State Government and other donations by many in cash and kind to victims.

“Going further, ACF fervently hopes that all promises made to the Tudun Biri community and especially victims of the attack will be fulfilled in the shortest time possible.

“Strong measures to be put in place to ensure that reliefs get directly and transparently to the victims.

“Corrupt, unscrupulous or unsympathetic elements must not be allowed any room to selfishly corner or divert any relief materials meant for the victims as is often the case in the aftermath of disasters. Absolutely no one should be allowed to benefit from the misery of the Tudun Biri bomb blast victims.

“ACF intends to monitor and speak out on the matter as may become necessary from time to time.

“In line with today’s highly challenging economic conditions and to cushion same, the people of Tudun Biri community must receive immediate material relief from relevant public agencies.

“Attention should be given to victims of past such incidents elsewhere. It is never too late to provide succour to the needy.

“Investigations into the Tudun Biri tragedy should be fast tracked and pursued with vigour as promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and

“Without prejudice to the investigations, measures be taken by the armed forces to avert all such incidents as happened at Tudun Biri and other places before it.

“ACF reiterates unalloyed support for the Federal and State Governments, as well as to the Armed Forces specifically, in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the country.”