The Sokoto State Government has donated over N100 million and 408 bags of assorted food items to families affected by bandit attacks and a fatal boat mishap in Wurno, Goronyo, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas.
A high-powered delegation, led by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, State APC Leader, delivered the relief during condolence visits to the affected communities.
According to a statement by Abubakar Bawa, Director General of Media and Publicity to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, families of the seven deceased persons in Dinawa village received N1 million each, alongside two bags each of maize and millet, and one bag of rice. The five injured received N250,000 each and one bag each of rice, millet, and maize.
“In Birjingo village, families of the three deceased received N1 million each, two bags each of maize and millet, and a bag of rice, while the six injured received N250,000 each and one bag each of rice, millet and maize,” the statement read.
“At Gorau, families of the 65 people who lost their lives in the boat mishap received N1 million each, as well as two bags each of maize and millet and a bag of rice.”
Wamakko Condoles with Communities, Pledges Security Support
Senator Wamakko, who conveyed Governor Aliyu’s condolences, expressed deep shock over the incidents, particularly the boat mishap that claimed 65 lives in Gorau.
He described the tragedies as unfortunate and prayed to Almighty Allah to prevent future occurrences.
“I am sure you must have seen the recent intervention by the state government, which included the provision of 62 armoured vehicles to security agencies to support their operations,” Senator Wamakko said.
“The state government will continue to support our security agencies in their quest to curb insecurity.”
He expressed optimism that banditry would soon be overcome and called on rural communities to continue supporting security agencies.
Senator Wamakko also appealed to residents to pray fervently for divine intervention against insecurity and other national challenges, while urging bereaved families to accept the losses as ordained by Allah.
Governor Warns Against Boat Overloading
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by Senator Wamakko, directed locals to immediately cease overloading boats, which has been identified as a primary cause of recurring mishaps in the area.
The delegation also visited Tsamaye village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area to condole with residents over the recent death of the Local Government APC Chairman, Alhaji Amadu Malale.
Stakeholders Express Gratitude
In their remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, and Sabon Birni Local Government Chairman, Hashimu Dantudu, thanked the state government for its care and concern during the difficult period.
The entourage included Deputy Governor Idris Gobir; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; State APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya; federal lawmakers; the Secretary to the State Government; Chief of Staff; members of the State Assembly; commissioners; special advisers; and other political and business community leaders.