Northern governors’ forum commiserates with Zamfara over bandits’ attack

A delegation of Northern Governors’ Forum on Saturday paid a condolence visit to Zamfara to commiserate with people, especially Zurmi Emirate Council, over the recent massacre in the area.

Some unidentified persons on Thursday shot and killed 40 persons in an attack on Birane village in Zurmi Local Government Area and injured many others.

The forum’s Chairman, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, led the delegation, comprising the governors of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu, and Nasarawa State, Tanko Almakura.

At the palace of the emir of Zurmi, Shettima said they came on behalf of the people of Northern Nigeria to commiserate with Zamfara people over the attack.

He described the attack as unfortunate and worrisome, adding: `It is very disheartening that some criminals decide to kill innocent people.’’

Shettima prayed to Almighty Allah to reward the dead and give their families and relatives fortitude to bear their losses.

He called on the people of the state to remain calm and continue to pray for Allah’s intervention to end the security challenges in the country.

Shettima expressed the hope that with the efforts of the present administration, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, the country would overcome its security challenges.

“We are, therefore, hoping that with these efforts, the current security challenges in the country, such as cattle rustling, kidnapping and all other forms of criminal activities affecting Zamfara, will become history,’’ he said.

Responding, Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, thanked the governors for the visit and said his administration was making efforts in collaboration the Federal Government to end the killing of innocent people in the state.

He urged security agencies to increase their efforts and review measures toward addressing security challenges in the state.

“I reported this case to the Presidency and I am going to continue to collaborate with security agencies to address the security challenges facing the state,’’ Yari said.

The Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, commended the state and federal governments in the fight against criminal activities in Zamfara.

Atiku, however, urged the Federal Government to increase efforts toward addressing security challenges facing the state.