By Nworisa Michael
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting families affected by last year’s tragic incident in Edo State, assuring that efforts to secure compensation remain ongoing.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made this known during a visit by a government delegation to the Bunkure Palace in Kano.
He explained that the visit was part of continued efforts to sympathise with families of victims who lost their lives while returning home for the Sallah celebration. According to him, the state government is actively engaging authorities in Edo State to ensure appropriate compensation is paid, noting that the process is progressing.
Waiya stated that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had approved financial assistance and food support for the affected which he presented to them. Families of the 16 victims received ₦300,000 each, while 13 injured survivors were given ₦200,000 each, in addition to two bags of rice per beneficiary.
He stated that the intervention reflects the government’s commitment to easing the hardship faced by the victims’ families, while urging patience as further support measures are being pursued. He also assured that the children of the deceased would continue to receive necessary care.
The District Head of Bunkure, Aminu Isah Umar, commended the state government for the gesture, noting that the support would significantly alleviate the suffering of affected families.
Meanwhile, the government’s response comes against the backdrop of earlier tensions. On March 6, threatening videos and voice notes circulated online, calling for protests and attacks targeting certain ethnic groups, particularly from southern Nigeria, in connection with the Iran-related tensions and the Uromi killings recorded the previous year.
The situation, however, was swiftly contained through coordinated efforts involving the Kano State Government, religious leaders, and security agencies. Members of the Inter-tribe Community Support Forum, a leading socio-cultural movement in the state, also played a key role by engaging stakeholders and promoting dialogue. Their intervention helped ensure that Kano remained peaceful despite rising concerns.
The state government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and protecting all residents, emphasizing the importance of unity and coexistence among diverse communities in Kano.
