The Sokoto State Government has donated over N100 million and 408 bags of assorted food items to families affected by bandit attacks and a boat mishap in Dinawa, Birjingo and Gorau villages in Wurno, Goronyo and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas.*
The donation was announced during a high-powered government delegation’s condolence visit to the affected communities, led by the State APC Leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Families of the seven persons killed in Dinawa received N1 million each, 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 persons got N1 million each, alongside two bags each of maize, millet and a bag of rice. The six injured received N250,000 each and one bag each of rice, millet and maize.
At Gorau, families of the 65 people who died in the boat mishap received N1 million each, as well as two bags each of maize, millet and a bag of rice.
Speaking for the governor, Senator Wamakko described the incidents as unfortunate and prayed to Almighty Allah to prevent a recurrence.
He said the state government has been supporting security agencies, citing the recent provision of 62 armoured vehicles to aid operations.
“The state government will continue to support our security agencies in their quest to curb the menace of insecurity in the state,” he said.
Senator Wamakko expressed optimism that banditry would soon become a thing of the past and urged rural communities to continue supporting security agencies. He also called for prayers for Allah’s intervention on insecurity and other national challenges.
He appealed to bereaved families to accept the deaths as ordained by Allah and prayed for forgiveness for the deceased and strength for their families.
At Gorau, Governor Aliyu directed that overloading of boats, identified as a major cause of mishaps, be stopped immediately. He charged local government authorities and the district head to enforce strict measures against the practice.
The delegation also visited Tsamaye village in Sabon Birni LGA to condole with the people over the death of the Sabon Birni LGA APC Chairman, Alhaji Amadu Malale.
In separate remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo, and Sabon Birni LGA Chairman, Hashimu Dantudu, thanked the state government for its support during the difficult period.
Members of the delegation included the Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; SSG, Muhammad Bello Sifawa; commissioners, lawmakers and other top government and APC officials.
