The Government of Zamfara State has donated N8.5 million to families of deceased and injured Nigerien soldiers, ambushed by bandits at Dumburum Forest, Zurmi local council, during a joint operation with their Nigerian counterparts.
The donation was presented to officials of the Government of Niger Republic by Governor Abdulaziz Yari on Monday when he visited Maradi to commiserate with the Nigerien government and families of the victims.
Governor Yari was received by the Nigerien Minister of Defence, Alhaji Kalla Muktari, Governocr of Maradi State, Alhaji Zakiri Umar and other Niger Government officials.
He said the donation was to support their families, explaining that each family of the deceased soldiers will be given One million Naira; N500,000 would go to each of the five injured soldiers while One million Naira would be given to the Commander, who was also injured during the incident.
The Governor described the incident as unfortunate and prayed to Almighty Allah to give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.
He pledged to sustain long and good relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic, particularly between Zamfara and Maradi states.
Governor Yari said the collaboration between Nigeria and Niger Republic, especially in handling insecurity challenges, is necessary and should be improved.
“We will cooperate and work together to ensure effective inter-border security to protect the lives and properties of our people”, he said.
In his response, the Governor of Maradi State, Alhaji Umaru Zakari, thanked the Zamfara Government for the visit and described it as timely and a welcome development.
He said Maradi had a long existing good relationship with Zamfara, adding; “We will continue and work with Zamfara State, particularly in the areas of security and border control.”
According to NAN reports, Governor Yari and his entourage attended the funeral prayer for the Nigerien soldiers.
In the governor’s delegation were the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Abubukar Atiku; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abdullahi Shinkafi; commissioners; and local government Chairmen.
The five Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush by the cross border bandits.
