Northern govs in solidarity visit to Enugu over Nimbo killings

Kashim Shettima of Borno state, Baduru Abubakar of Jigawa, were among governors from the northern part of the country who visited Enugu state on Tuesday to condole with the people over the recent killings carried out by suspected herdsmen.

Rochas Okorocha of Imo and Rauf Aregbesola, his Osun state counterpart, also joined in the sympathy visit.

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the host governor, thanked his colleagues for the show of love, describing the incident as very unfortunate.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern, expressing the belief that the commission of inquiry which he set up will get to the root of the matter.

Ugwuanyi said his administration had beefed up security after the attacks.

“We are already taking concrete measures to step up security in Enugu, especially through the reactivation and revitalization of neighbourhood watch associations in every community in the state,” he said.

“This is geared towards ensuring a holistic and concerted approach to security challenges in the state with all communities and relevant organizations being fully involved.”

Speaking, Shettima thanked his colleague over the way and manner he handled the issue.

Shettima, who is the governor of the Northern Governors’ Forum, likened the situation to the insurgency in the north-east, calling on the people to support government to tackle insecurity.

He appealed to Nigerians to live in one accord and not allow issues of such nature fan the embers of discord.

“On behalf of the governments and peoples of the 19 northern states, and I have led this delegation to the brotherly people and government of Enugu state, to express our condolences on the tragic killings that took place in this state over a week ago,” he said.

“It is our duty to bring condolences to our brothers and sisters and compatriots of Enugu state, because in the best traditions of our people, we must mourn with our compatriots just as we rejoice together, in moments of happiness. It is particularly important for us to express our heartfelt sympathy, because as victims of the terror associated with the Boko Haram crisis, we know the meaning of terror and the associated grief.

“We have lived with that for over seven years and we have been able to retain stoicism, largely because of the empathy that we have received from our compatriots from all over our country, including the sympathy of the people of Enugu state.

“The killings that have taken place here in Enugu state have come in the context of other killings in various rural communities across our country. The security forces are doing the very best to arrest the situation; efforts are being made to bring perpetrators to face the law and in that process, all Nigerians must assist the security forces with the information to succeed. But it is also important that communities, leaders and especially the Nigerian media, should play a calming and patriotic role in the situation that faces our country.

“There is a lot that bind us together as a country. And it is in tribute to those factors of unity, brotherhood and peace, that we have come to commiserate with the people and government of Enugu state. May the souls of the dead rest in peace. And may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss. May God bring our country together in greater peace and understanding, now and always.”