In a show of solidarity, the Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Hon. Umar Kadafur, alongside other Northern governors, presented a N50 million cheque to the government of Jigawa State on Saturday.
The gesture was part of a broader support effort led by the Northern Governors Forum, with its Chairman, His Excellency Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State, at the forefront.
The donation follows the tragic fuel tanker explosion that recently struck a community in Jigawa State, claiming the lives of over 171 people, most of whom were youths aged between 18 and 35 years.
The disaster also left 75 individuals seriously injured, who are now receiving medical treatment in various hospitals across the state.
The devastating loss of life, particularly among the younger population, has deeply affected the community, prompting this unified response from the Northern leaders.
During the formal presentation of the donation, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the importance of standing together with the people of Jigawa in this time of grief.
He noted that the tragedy was not only a significant loss for Jigawa but for the entire nation, as the victims represented the future generation of Nigeria.
He stressed that every Nigerian life holds immense value, and the collective donation of N50 million from each Northern state was a way to both mourn the lost and provide much-needed assistance to the survivors and their families.
Governor Yahaya also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and offered prayers for the quick recovery of those still receiving treatment.
He reiterated the commitment of the Northern Governors Forum to supporting Jigawa State through this difficult period.
Governor Umar A. Nnamdi of Jigawa State, while responding, expressed his deep gratitude to the Northern Governors Forum for their timely intervention and generous financial assistance.
He assured the visiting governors that the donated funds would be used effectively to address the immediate needs of the victims and their families.
He also extended his appreciation to the Kano State Government, which had previously made a separate donation to support the recovery efforts.
Accompanying Governor Inuwa Yahaya on this visit were several prominent Northern leaders, including Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State, and the governors of Taraba, Kebbi, Yobe, and Katsina States.
Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur of Borno State was joined by other officials from his state, including Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, a member of the Borno State Assembly representing Biu, Hon. Babagana Malarima, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, and Hon. Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, Commissioner of Transport and Energy.
Special advisers, senior aides, and other government officials were also present during the visit to show their support.
This collective gesture from the Northern Governors Forum underscores their commitment to standing together in times of hardship and tragedy, with the hope that the financial support will provide some relief to the affected families and help ease their suffering.
The governors also took the opportunity to pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and for strength and healing for those still fighting for their lives in hospitals.
