Press Release: Gov El-Rufai visits Bagudu, sympathises with him over abducted school children.

The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has commiserated with Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu over the the recent abduction of some staff and students of FGC, Birnin Yauri in Ngaski Local Government of Kebbi State.

The Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, with his entourage were at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday to pay sympathy visit to the Government and People of Kebbi State over the unfortunate incident .

He expressed regret and concern that the security challenges have reared their ugly heads in Kebbi state which had hitherto remained safe and secured.

He said that, although the neighbouring states were affected by various security challenges, Kebbi had hitherto remained ," an island in a sea of banditry."

He said that, the incident portends serious danger to the peace of the entire North West.

" We are very concerned that with the cases of violence affecting farmers and affecting the potential of agriculture in Kebbi state which has become the centre of the production of a very important commodity that all Nigerians need, which is rice," he added.

El-Rufai, who described Bagudu as " Sarkin Zumunchi," lauded him for severally visiting Kaduna State in times of happiness and despair .

He stated that the visit was to commiserate with the people and Government of Kebbi state on the unfortunate incident of Birnin Yauri School abduction.

He prayed to Allah for the safe return of the children to their families and the terminal end to banditry in Nigeria.

Responding , the Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu while thanking the Governor for his concern and visit assured that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted school children and staff.

According to Bagudu, there has been no let up on the rigorous security operations to rescue the abductees.

The Chairman of the APC Governors' Forum also said that, such commendable efforts being championed by the military and other security agencies were also being boosted by the Vigilantes .

The Kebbi State Governor also noted that, since the abduction, the Chairmen of Ngaski and Sakaba local Governments have been doing their possible best to complement the efforts of the state Government, as well as the security agencies .

Bagudu further said that, the agonizing incident was causing sleepless nights for him, the security agencies , school authorities and other stakeholders.

The Governor stressed the need for community mobilisation to confront the dastardly and monstrous security challenges.

He said:" The monster will not intimidate us . We must mobilize and eliminate the criminal elements from among us .

" No matter the capacity of the security agencies, no matter the equipment available to them, community efforts are needed .

" Experience around the world has shown that it is the will power of the people that will help to tame the criminals ."

Bagudu extolled the outstanding leadership qualities of El-Rufai to make the North and Nigeria safer, as well as evenly developed .

Signed,

YAHAYA SARKI:
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
24/6/2021