Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday visited Kebbi State to condole with residents over recent killings in parts of the state and the death of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman-Zuru.
Shettima, who was received at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, delivered the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governor Nasir Idris, families of slain security personnel, and the people of the state.
The late Speaker reportedly died on April 6 in Cairo, Egypt, after a prolonged illness.
Speaking during the visit, the vice president said he was in Kebbi on the directive of the president to sympathise with the government and residents over the tragic incidents.
“We are here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as over the passing of the Speaker,” he said.
He described the attacks on communities in Shanga Local Government Area and the killing of security personnel in Giron Masa as deeply troubling, assuring the people that the federal government stands with them.
“Our hearts are with the people of Kebbi and the security agencies at this difficult time,” Shettima added.
He noted that the federal delegation included the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, to ensure support for communities displaced by the attacks.
Shettima offered prayers for the victims and their families, and commended the state government for its efforts in education, infrastructure, and inclusive governance.
In his response, Governor Idris expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the visit, describing it as a show of solidarity with the people of Kebbi.
He revealed that about 11 people, including security personnel, were killed in an ambush while responding to a distress call in Shanga LGA, but praised security agencies for their swift interventions across the state.
On the death of the Speaker, the governor said the government did everything possible to ensure he received proper medical care, but ultimately accepted the outcome as the will of Allah.
Idris also disclosed that the state government had approved ₦100 million to assist victims displaced by banditry and ₦60 million for families of fallen security personnel.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Zuru, Sanusi Mika’ilu, commended the state government for its continued support to affected communities.
The vice president was accompanied on the visit by top officials, including the NEMA DG, Zubaida Umar, Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hassan, and Special Adviser Aliyu Umar-Modibbo, among others.
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