On Sunday, the Nigerian Senate leadership declared a compassionate gesture, pledging a sum of N109 million, equivalent to the December salaries of its members, to support the victims affected by an unintended bombing tragedy in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
During a condolence visit to Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, conveyed this announcement.
The accidental airstrike by the Nigerian Army resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 villagers and left numerous others injured, according to reports by The PUNCH.
Expressing the Senate’s deep concern, Barau Jibrin, representing Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, extended sympathies to the governor for the unfortunate incident that occurred on November 3.
He emphasized the Senate’s profound distress over the incident, leading to the decision by the 109 senators to contribute their December salaries amounting to N109 million to aid the victims.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy Senate President conveyed that the funds would be forwarded to the state governor for distribution among the affected individuals.
Barau Jibrin remarked, “We are here to represent the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and indeed, other senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in order to sympathise with you for the lost lives and those who sustained injuries in respect of the unfortunate incident that happened at Tundun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna some few days ago.
“We are all worried. We are all disturbed but the only thing we can say now is for the Almighty Allah to grant those who lost their lives rest and those who sustained injuries, for Allah to give them a quick recovery..”
He continued, “We are here to show our solidarity and to show the fact that we stand by the Government of Kaduna State and indeed the entire people of this state, particularly, the people of Tudun Biri in this trying period that the state is experiencing.”
Addressing the need for further action beyond the investigation, Barau Jibrin affirmed, ” It is on this note that we have decided that we are going to donate our salaries for a full month to be given to those who were affected by this incident. So, a total of N109m will be made available to the governor to be channeled to help bring succour to those that were affected by the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri.”
On his part, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna urged the senators to advocate for justice and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible for the bombings.
He appealed for support in advocating for the creation of state police to enhance security measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Accompanying the Senate Deputy President on this visit were the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Chief Ship, Senator Ali Ndume, Senate Minority Leader, and Senator Abba Morro, among others.
