Nigeria Governors Forum Supports Victims Of Train Attack With N50 Million

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Governors, Forum, (NGF), has donated N50 million to the victims of Kaduna-Abuja train attack.

The train, which was going from Abuja to Kaduna, was attacked by terrorists leading to the death of  eight Nigerians, while more than 100 of the passengers were kidnapped, and still in the  den of the terrorists.

The terrorists have insisted on negotiation with the Federal government before those being held will be released.

Their relations have embarked on peaceful demonstrations with government assuring them of their safe return.

Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, announced the donation, when he led a two-man delegation of the Forum to Kaduna State to commiserate with the Government and people of the state on the recent Abuja – Kaduna train attack.

Dr Fayemi expressed deep sympathy to Kaduna State and its people and described the attack as mind-boggling because of the  number of casualties.

“The criminals were audacious enough to also take away some hostages which is a concern to the state of insecurity in the country”, he said.

The Governor pointed out that the attack was the handwork of some enemies of the state to distract Governor El-rufa’i from transforming the state.

He maintained that Governors will continue to talk to the President on the challenges of insecurity to ensure peace in the country.

“The Northwest of the country has been a region of calm before now but whatever it is, Governors will continue to put heads together along with the President to bring sanity back to the country.”

Dr Fayemi also agreed with the submission of Governor Elrufa’i that proactive action should be taken by various stakeholders to ensure that banditry is rooted out of the country.

He advised Governor El rufai to remain focused in promoting the affairs of the state.

“I agree that we as Governors must join hands with the President to deal ruthlessly with the bandits, that they are to be crushed, as you have always advocated.

“We are here to commiserate with you, your Government and the people of Kaduna State, to show solidarity with them and align with the Governor who as a public servant, should continue to be focused.”

Responding, Governor El-Rufai commended the leadership of the Forum and disclosed that 61 victims of the attacked were still recuperating including a top government official and his 8-months pregnant wife.

He explained that the bandits were currently hiding somewhere in Niger State.

Governor El Rufai regretted that the attack was avoidable because the state government had tipped the Nigeria Railways Corporation before the incident.