Press Release: Yauri school abduction : Religious leaders on sympathy, solidarity visit to Bagudu

As more groups declare support and solidarity to Governor Abubakar Atiku over his prompt response in dealing with the abduction of Birnin Yauri School children, the Council of Ulamas and the state chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have also commiserated and declared support to him.

The Governor who played host to Islamic and Christian leaders at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday, met separately with the Council of Ulamas and CAN leadership in the state.

Bagudu expressed appreciation for the visit, saying that, the incident has brought the people of Kebbi together in this trying period .

He averred : ' This unfortunate incident has united us against the bandits who want to test our collective will.

' We shall work together against the bandits as evident from the tremendous show of support from different angles."

Bagudu while intimating them on the ongoing rescue operation, happily informed them that some level of success has been recorded in the operation, with the rescue of some staff and abducted school children.

"All hands must be on the deck to complement the efforts of the security agencies in dealing with the situation, "he urged.

He thanked them for the show of solidarity and asked them to continue to fervently pray for the release of the school children and an end to banditry not only in Kebbi state, but in Nigeria as a whole.

In their seperate remarks, the Kebbi State Chairman of Council of Ulamas, Sheikh AbdulRahman Isah Jega and State Chairman of CAN, Dr. Ayuba Kanta, assured the Governor of their support and continious prayers over the unfortunate abduction incident of the students.

They acknowledged the untiring efforts of the governor on the ongoing rescue operation and commended the security personnel for their hard work and diligence.

"' See it as ordained by God, see it as a test from God, we shall all support you together with our prayers to overcome these security challenges until our enemies are no more.

" We know what you are doing, We are with you and will pray day and night for the success of the rescue mission," the duo, added.

The religious leaders described Governor Bagudu as an "' Ambassador of Peace '' owing to his numerous peace missions across the country.

All the religious leaders held special prayers for God's intervention on the security challenges facing the state and the country at large.

Also , the CAN State Chairman, Dr. Ayuba Kanta, on behalf of the Christian faithful in the state thanked the Governor for his developmental strides in the state especially in Badariya, Birnin Kebbi, which has witnessed the construction of new roads with enlarged drainages.

In another development, the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW), has promised to offer its support towards rescuing the abducted staff and students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, in Kebbi State.

The National President of NURTW, Professor Ibikunle Tajudeen made the pledge on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, when a high powered delegation of the union visited governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu to commiserate with the people and Government of Kebbi State on the abduction.

Alhaji Haruna Alhassan 313, represented the National President , Prof Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa on the sympathy and solidarity visit to Bagudu over the abduction in Birnin Yauri and the recent boat Mishap at Warrah.

He said the union would make their vehicles available for the conveyance of security personnel when needed as their support to the ongoing fight against banditry.

Baruwa said that, the Union was rudely shocked with the news of the unfortunate incident, as well as the boat mishap .

He said:" The two incidents are very regrettable and unfortunate and we are all disturbed .

"we are therefore here to commiserate with the people and Government on the twin tragic incidents."

The NURTW National President also said that the union has an existing cordial relationship with the Kebbi State Government and hoped that, it will be sustained.

Baruwa further commended Bagudu for his tremendous support to the union, saying, " he is a Father, mentor and Benefactor to us."

He also extolled the efforts of Bagudu to ensure that the abductees were safely rescued, as well as to restore peace and security in the state and Nigeria.

" We will render all the needed support including helping to transport vigilantes across the state, at anytime," Baruwa, vowed.

The National leaders of the union were accompanied on the solidarity visit to Governor Bagudu by State Chairmen, as well as all the 21 local Governments Chairmen of the union in Kebbi State.

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