TheCable

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has donated N180 million to victims of the military air strike that killed and injured several people at Tundun Biri village in Igabi LGA of Kaduna.

In a statement issued at the end of the inaugural meeting of the forum on Friday, Muhammadu Yahaya, governor of Gombe and chairman of the NSGF, expressed condolence to the people of the community.

On December 3, many residents of the Tudun Biri community were killed after a military drone dropped a bomb targeted at terrorists in the area.

The governors of 19 northern states held the first meeting today since the inauguration of the current administration in May.

Yahaya said the forum is committed to fixing the security issues in the north through collaboration with relevant agencies.

He said the governors have agreed to work together to ensure a proper investigation into the bombing and compensation for the affected persons.

“The forum prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and speedy recovery of the injured,” the statement reads.

“The forum prayed for God to grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss and appreciated the Kaduna state and federal governments for the way and manner they handled the unfortunate incident so far.

“The forum resolved to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incidence is thoroughly investigated with a view to compensating victims and taking corrective measures to prevent future occurrence.

“The forum resolved to vigorously pursue the collective interest of the North in areas of enhanced security, peaceful coexistence, economic development, youth employment, drug abuse and revitalisation of education at all levels.

“The forum resolved to stand united in its commitment to addressing those challenges through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, strengthening local law enforcement, community engagement, adoption of modern technology and administrative reforms, as well as addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and deepening social inequality.

“The forum also resolved to address the environmental challenges affecting Northern Nigeria which is threatening rural livelihood, pushing farmers into conflict with herders and adding to the general level of poverty and insecurity.

“The forum further resolved to collectively fast-track regional integration through investment in infrastructure, human capital development, trade, commerce, agriculture, environment, digital economy and cultural exchanges.

“The forum collectively resolved to support the Kaduna state government and victims of the unfortunate incidence of the bombing at Tudun Biri community, Igabi local government area by donating the sum of one hundred and eighty million naira (N180,000,000.00) only to the victims.”

The chairman commended the federal government for its efforts in fighting banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and terrorism among other issues.

He added that the next meeting would be held on March 2, 2024.