Kebbi Attack: ‘We won’t abandon you’ – Shettima to victims’ families

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, has assured families of 11 security officers killed in a recent bandit attack in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State that the Federal Government will not abandon them.

According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima gave the assurance during a condolence visit to Governor Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, reiterating the President’s commitment to the welfare of armed forces personnel and their families. “We Won’t Abandon You,” he emphasised, underscoring that their gallantry would not go in vain.

The visit mourned multiple tragedies: the slain officers, destruction in Shanga communities, and the death of Kebbi State House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Muhammad Usman Zuru, in Cairo, Egypt, on April 7.

“We are here in Kebbi, your Excellency, at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you, and to register our profound condolences and empathy over the sad developments in your state, in the past couple of days,” Shettima said.

“The demise of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, the late Hon. Muhammed Usman Zuru, the destruction of our communities in Shanga Local Government Area and, of course, the loss of our eleven gallant officers. We are here to condole with you, the security establishment in Kebbi State and the government and people of Kebbi. Our hearts are with you.”

Shettima disclosed President Tinubu’s directives for immediate relief. “The President also instructed me to come with the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to give succour and support to the displaced communities. We are going to support you. We appreciate you, we adore you, we respect you, and we will take whatever measures that are necessary for you to do your duties as you ought to do.”

He prayed for the deceased: “Your Excellency, please accept, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our profound condolences over the loss of lives and properties. May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and reward them with his Aljannah firdaus. May Allah also give the government and people of Kebbi State the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses. Please extend the condolences of Mr. President to the families of our fallen heroes. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”

Governor Idris, in his response, noted improvements in security responses despite ongoing challenges. He revealed that the state donated N60 million to the officers’ families and resettled displaced communities, with measures put in place to prevent a recurrence. The governor praised federal support via Shettima’s high-powered delegation, which included NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and others.

Shettima commended Idris’s achievements: “Kebbi is home; I would have loved to come on a much more joyous occasion to celebrate with his Excellency. He has done outstandingly well within the last three years. The infrastructural development is excellent- very good investment in education – and, of course, his sense of inclusivity, making all tendencies within Kebbi to have a sense of belonging. Your Excellency, the President appreciates you, the President loves you, and most importantly, the President respects you.”

The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sanusi Mikailu Sami, also expressed gratitude and prayed for peace.