By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, on Thursday said that anyone found culpable in connection with the drone bomb attacks that killed about 90 persons at Tudun Biri village in Igabi local government area of Kaduna will be punished by the federal government.
Tinubu also assured that all the victims of the attack will be taken care of under the Fulako Initiative, which will commence this month of December, adding that the affected community will be the first to be rebuilt in the northwest under the initiative.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, and explained that the federal government remains committed to the fight against banditry across the region despite the incident.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent us to commiserate with the people of Kaduna over the tragic incident. The caliber of people that are here with me is a testimony to how deeply touched the president was by the incident.
“The President was deeply touched by what happened, and we would like to assure the people and government of Kaduna that the government will take measures to protect and preserve the interest of our nation.
“The victims will be taken good care of under the Fulako Initiative, which will commence this month, and this community will be the first to be rebuilt in the northwest zone.
“All measures will be taken to ensure that future occurrences are averted. The government will go to the root of the issue, and anyone found culpable will be punished accordingly,” he said.
While at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, the Kaduna government house where he addressed leaders of the community, traditional and religious leaders, the Vice President said:
“I am here on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sympathize and empathize with the people and government of Kaduna, especially the inhabitants of Tudun Biri who were affected by the unfortunate incident a couple of days ago.
“I am here because the President is deeply concerned; he was deeply touched by what happened. Like the late Adele Giwa rightly said, ‘You don’t talk about the numbers; one life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as a million lost.’
“The heart of the President is with the bereaved families. And be rest assured that the Federal Government stands by the community affected and the government and people of Kaduna on this unfortunate incident. The President called me more than 17 times on this matter when he was outside the country.
“As directed by Mr. President, an investigation is being conducted with a view to preventing the recurrence of the incident, and we expect the report to be submitted very soon.
“I want to register our profound gratitude to our religious leaders, our community leaders who served as stabilizing forces in this trying moment.
“Efforts were made to politicize the incident, but our leaders chose to act on the path of decency, on the path of moderation, on the path of maturity, and we cannot but thank them profusely.
“Most importantly, the President has approved the commencement of the Fulako Initiative by next month.
“The Fulako Initiative is the President’s unique response as a non-kinetic solution to the challenges in the North West. Beneficiary states are Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, and for the purpose of equity and justice, we deliberately included Niger and Benue.
“Now, the President has directed that the FULAKO Initiative should be kick-started here in Kaduna State, and Tudun Biri will be the first beneficiary community.
“Under the initiative, we are going to build houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, empowerment initiatives, solar energy, and so on. It is a complete package of solutions; a non-kinetic response to the problems of banditry and kidnapping in the North West.
“Can assure you that the President meant well for the North. The President meant for the Nation.
“He commended the Governor of Kaduna, Senator Uba Sani, for bringing the religious leaders together under one umbrella, saying that what binds us together as a prime supersedes what divides us. In this trying moment, he brought together the two heads.”
Responding, Governor Uba Sani appreciated the president for sending the delegation with the VP to commiserate with the people of Kaduna state and appreciated the FG for responding to the call for immediate investigation into the incident.
“The FG has responded positively by saying that there is going to be a proper investigation, as soon as possible, and the outcome will be made public to Nigerians.”
He said the Kaduna state government on its part would ensure that it looks after the wounded and also provide proper medical care, while it will take care of the orphans by giving them support.
He noted that the FULAKO Initiative under the Vice President’s office will kick start in Kaduna at Tudun Biri community.
“This is because they have lost everything, houses will be rebuilt and provide hospital, schools, and farming facilities for them,” he said.
He also commended religious leaders for cooperating with the government, assuring people of Kaduna that compensation would be paid, and houses would be rebuilt.
Several speakers at the event, from the Kaduna State Chapter Chairmen of JNI and CAN, Professor Shefiu Abdullahi and Rev John Hayab respectively, as well as representatives of Tudun Biri community, called for an investigation of the unfortunate incident and payment of compensation to the victims’ families.
