Aminu Bello Masari and Emir of Katsina, Abdulmuminu Kabir Usman, over
the recent killings by bandits.
The delegation was sent by President Muhammadu Buhari to commiserate
with government and people of Katsina, and also get a full brief on the
security situation in the state, and the attack that claimed many lives
in Batsari Local Government Area at the weekend.
In a condolence message delivered by the Chief of Staff, the President
commiserated with families of the 31 victims of the attack, praying that
almighty God will comfort all of them and grant the departed rest.
President Buhari assured the state government and Emirate Council that
his administration will do whatever it takes to rid the country of
bandits, terrorists and criminals.
The Governor, who received the delegation shortly after his return from
Batsari Council, regretted that the latest incident had marred seven
months of unbroken peace in the state, following measures put in place
by his administration.
Masari said the only enduring remedy to banditry was provision of
education, and he gave a strong assurance that education will continue
to be a priority of the government.
The governor appreciated the President for sending a strong delegation
to condole with the state.
The Emir of Katsina also thanked the President for sending the team to
Katsina, urging the military and police to put more effort in tackling
the menace.
“We must go all out and spare no effort in tackling them. They are
trying to destroy the country,” he added.
At the meeting, the heads of security agencies, military and police,
gave their situation reports to the delegation, adding that Nigerian Air
Force fighter helicopters, with night vision capability, will support
the ground operation against bandits.
The Federal Government delegation included Minister of Defence, General
Bashir Magashi (rtd), Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari
Dingyadi, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and Director General of
National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar.
Others on the delegation: Senior Special Assistants to the President,
Household and Social Events, Malam Sarki Abba, and Media and Publicity,
Garba Shehu.