We won’t abandon families of fallen heroes, says Shettima
•VP visits Kebbi to condole with bereaved families over attacks Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday assured families of military and police personnel killed in a recent attack in Shanga Local
•VP visits Kebbi to condole with bereaved families over attacks
- From Ahmed Baba Ahmed, Birnin Kebbi
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday assured families of military and police personnel killed in a recent attack in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State that the Federal Government will not abandon them.
Shettima promised that the government would provide the victims with sustained support and care.
The Vice President, who spoke on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a condolence visit to the Kebbi State government, said the Tinubu administration remained committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen security personnel do not go in vain.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, VP Shettima said: “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 led a federal delegation to commiserate with the state over the killing of 11 security officers in Shanga, the destruction of communities, and the death of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman Zuru, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on April 7.
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Conveying the President’s condolences, Shettima said: “We are here in Kebbi at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to register our profound condolences and empathy over the sad developments in your state. The loss of our gallant officers and the demise of the Speaker are deeply painful to us all. Our hearts are with you.”
The Vice President announced that President Tinubu had directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate materials to families of the fallen officers and displaced communities affected by the attacks.
Shettima added that he was accompanied by the Director-General of NEMA to ensure that adequate support mechanisms were put in place for the victims.
“The President instructed me to come with the DG of NEMA to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to give succour and support to the displaced communities,” he said.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the welfare of security personnel, Shettima stressed that caring for the families of those who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation remained a top priority.
The Vice President also offered prayers for the repose of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant them eternal rest and give their families and the people of Kebbi State the fortitude to bear the losses.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris said security agencies in the state were working closely with the government to address emerging threats, noting improvements in their response and operational strategies.
The governor expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s high-powered delegation and solidarity shown to the state during the difficult period.
He said the state government had donated N60 million to support the families of the slain officers, adding that displaced communities had already been resettled.
Idris said measures had also been put in place to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of the attacks.
The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sanusi Mikailu Sami, applauded the Federal Government’s intervention and prayed for lasting peace in Kebbi State and other parts of the country.
The Vice President hailed Governor Idris for the strides his administration had recorded in infrastructure development and education.
He described the governor’s leadership style as inclusive and impactful.
“Kebbi is home. I would have loved to come on a more joyous occasion. His Excellency has done outstandingly well in the last three years, excellent infrastructural development and strong investment in education,” Shettima said.
The Vice President also conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation and condolences to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, over the recent death of his sister.
Members of the Vice President’s entourage included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar; and Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, among others.
