By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has donated N150 million to victims of the recent Fulani/Farmers clashes in Arewa Local Government Area, with a firm assurance that perpetrators of the violence will face justice.

The Governor made the announcement on Saturday during a sympathy visit to displaced persons taking refuge at the Arewa Local Government Secretariat in Kangiwa.

Governor Idris, who was accompanied by heads of security agencies, appealed for calm and peaceful coexistence, stressing that there was no justification for conflict between Fulani and Arewa communities who have lived together harmoniously for over a century.

“I am here to condole with the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. However, I must warn people against taking the law into their hands,” the Governor said.

“We have launched thorough investigations to uncover the causes of the crisis. Arrests have already been made, and investigations are ongoing. We believe in the judicial process, and those found guilty will face appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The Governor urged all affected communities to embrace peace, adding that there is nothing as valuable as peaceful coexistence.

“I am donating N150 million to support all victims,Fulanin Arewa, Zabarmawa, and others to help them rebuild and return to their homes. We will also approach the Federal Government to secure additional assistance for our people,” he added.

The Governor appreciated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who earlier donated N20 million naira to the victims .

Governor Idris commended the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Vigilantes, and other security operatives for their swift intervention in restoring peace to the area.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who accompanied the Governor, had earlier donated N20 million to the victims.

He pledged to collaborate with Governor Idris in securing further assistance from the Federal Government.

Bagudu opined that Kebbi State has recorded significant development in the last few years under Kauran Gwandu, warning that crises should not be allowed to erode what has been achieved.

Former Governor Sa’idu Usman Dakingari, who addressed the victims in Fulfulde, also urged them to maintain lasting peace with their Arewa brothers. He donated N1 million, while Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) sent a donation of N2 million.

Chairman of Arewa Local Government, Sani Aliyu Tela, briefed the Governor on the scale of the incident, noting that lives were lost in Bui, while animals and property were destroyed in other villages.

He commended the Army, Police, Civil Defence, and Vigilantes for their prompt response in containing the clashes.

Traditional leaders who also briefed the Governor included the Mai Arewan Bui, Abubakar Danmallam; Sarkin Bui, Ardon Kangiwa Umaru Maisamari; and Sarkin Zabarmawan Kangiwa, Alhaji Mukhtari.

They attributed the crisis to the intrusion of foreign Fulanis from Niger Republic and the criminal activities of the Lakurawa bandits, which they said were the root causes of the clashes.