From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has called for thorough investigations into the misfired drone bombings at Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government, Kaduna State.
Chairman of the forum and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, spoke, yesterday, in Kaduna, when he condoled with the government and people of the state over the unfortunate incident.
Abdulrazak, who came on behalf of the 36 governors of the federation, said they would ensure that those found culpable were brought to justice. Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, thanked the NGF chairman for the show of support and solidarity in the state’s moment of grief. He also expressed appreciation to his colleague for visiting Kaduna to condole with the government and people.
Also, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, as well as the former vice president, Namadi Sambo, have called for timely investigation into the December 3 erroneous bombing which killed several residents while celebrating Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.
Emir Bamali and ex-VP Sambo made the call, yesterday, while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after meeting with governor Uba Sani on a condolence visit over the incident. They said the visit afforded them the opportunity to inform the governor about the progress made by the committee chaired by VP Sambo, on the Zaria Central Mosque that collapsed sometime this year.
Governor Sani also said from the moment the Tudun Biri incident happened, there was high level solidarity from across the country, adding that, “it is our prayer that this type of incident should be the last in the country”.
Sambo said: “We are in support of probing the incident and we made it clearly that this should be the last one. Proper investigation should be carried out. Indeed, governor Uba Sani has confirmed to us that a high level independent investigation panel will be set up, so that, once and for all, this type of incident will not happen again.
“Secondly, the purpose of our visit is to brief the governor about the development of Zaria Central Mosque. You are all aware of the unfortunate incident where the Mosque collapsed and several people lost their lives. And the Emir of Zazzau formed a technical committee on the reconstruction of the mosque.
“I chaired the committee and I briefed the governor on the progress made so far. And I want to make it clear that we are not here to seek government funds. This project, as you are aware, had a public fund raising in Abuja.
There will be a second one, and there will be a continuous fund raising for the reconstruction.
“We are here to commiserate and extend our sincere condolences to the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani and the people of Kaduna State and, indeed, all Nigerians on the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri. I pray that the Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest, and those that were injured to get well soon. I want to use this opportunity to also console the Emir of Zazzau, who is also here on a condolence visit.
“I would also like to thank the governor for all the support he is giving to ensure that those that were affected are well compensated. I am also thanking, in particular, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. We have heard that the president has directed that those affected are well compensated. He has also directed that the affected village be completely reconstructed and all social amenities that a civil society require should be provided. So, we thank the president, the governor and the good people of Kaduna State and Nigeria in supporting the reconstruction”.
On his part, the emir said: “I think His Excellency, the Vice President has spoken very well on this matter. I share the same view on the independent investigation panel and the governor has confirmed and, also, the president himself. So, we are optimistic and hoping that this should be done within the shortest time.
“We have seen that those in the hospital have started coming back to their senses and lives. We are calling on authorities not to allow people to speak recklessly in the social media about the incident, that is not acceptable”.