All the 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have donated their one-month salaries, amounting to N109m, to the survivors of the drone mishap in Tudun Biri, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin announced this on behalf of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Kaduna Government House when he led the Upper House delegation to the state yesterday.
The senators were received by the state governor, Senator Uba Sani.
Barau, in a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the money would be sent to the state governor for onward delivery to the victims.
While praying to Allah to grant those who lost their lives Paradise, he wished the injured quick recovery.
“Let me state clearly that the Senate has been in contact with the President of this country, who is also highly disturbed and has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.
“We are all on the same page with the executive arm of the government and we will continue to work in partnership to unravel what happened and also take measures to prevent this kind of unfortunate incident from recurring.
“We are here to show our solidarity and to show the fact that we stand by the people, we stand by the government and indeed the entire people of the state, particularly the people of Tudun Biri in this trying period. We will partner with you and do all within our power to bring succor to those who are affected by this unfortunate incident,” he said
In his response, the state governor thanked the senators for their donation.
“What I can say here today is that I am really happy with the level of support, level of empathy and solidarity by the people of this country, from Mr. President, vice president, to the leadership of the Senate and the National Assembly generally, as well as the good people of Nigeria,” he said.
The governor went on to insist on justice for the people of Tudun Biri who lost their lives and those in the hospital.
“I would like to also call on the National Assembly, particularly the Senate to join the Kaduna State government and the good people of Nigeria in calling for a probe and investigation into this incident. I will also urge the members of the National Assembly to look at the laws that have to do with security agencies in Nigeria so that they can strengthen those institutions.
“What happened last week here in Kaduna could have been averted if the security agencies in Nigeria were working on the same page. They need to share intelligence,” he said.
The Senate delegation went to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital to visit the injured.
