Three days after the killing of pastoralists Nasarawa State, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has confirmed that an investigation is on and has commiserated with the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdulahi Sule over the tragedy, as well as the death of his first son, Hassan.
An air force jet allegedly killed 27 pastoralists , though Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) put the figure at 40.
Until Osinbajo spoke on Friday, the government and military authorities have remained mute to the chagrin of MACBAN, which berated President Muhammadu Buhari, the military and Benue State government.
Osinbajo, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, expressed his condolence when he visited Governor Sule in Gudi town, Nasarawa State. He was received by Governor Sule and the Governors of Kebbi and Borno States: Sen Atiku Bagudu and Prof. Babagana Zulum. The Emir of Lafia was also at the condolence event at the palace of the Sarkin Gudi, Alhaji Sule Bawa, alongside other traditional rulers.
“This is a very tragic and sad day indeed for me, as I am sure it is for all of you here in Nasarawa. I want to say to my brother, the governor, and to members of the family as well as your Royal Highness and all those who are here to condole with him, that we pray the Almighty God will comfort him and members of the family. We pray that God who gives and takes will have mercy on him, the family and on all of us,” the VP noted.
On the recent tragic loss of pastoralists after an incident on the borders of Nasarawa and Benue States, the Vice President said “I also want to condole with you, your excellency, and your Royal Highness, on the tragic occurrence of the death of several citizens of this State a few days ago.
“This is very terrible and tragic thing indeed. I express my sincere condolence and that of the Federal Government of Nigeria. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort this State even as we await the outcome of the investigation going on.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Emir of Lafia, who is the chairman of the State Traditional Council, thanked Prof. Osinbajo for the visit and standing with the people of the State at all times, noting that as the Madugun Jihar Nasarawa, he (the VP) remains “our captain in the course of our journey”.
According to the Emir, “Mr Vice President, you are a friend indeed, you are always here for us, I cannot say of any moment that you are not there for us, in good times and in low times like this.”
“This is the act that God has made, we have no right to question Him. It came at a time when the State itself is in a state of tragedy, the tragedy that the magnitude cannot be quantified. I was with the governor throughout since we got the news of the tragedy, we have not slept, making sure that law and order is maintained in the State,” he added.
He noted that the people of Nasarawa State will always stand with the VP both in and out of office, noting that “we are your friends in office, we will remain your friends even after office. We will continue to pray for you. I have said it before you and behind you, that you are one of the greatest that God has given this country.”
The late 36 years old Hassan was buried on Friday in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Also, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has sent a message of condolence to his Nasarawa State counterpart, Engr. Abdullahi Sule over the sudden death of Hassan.
The deceased was aged 36 years.
Ortom noted that the death of a dear one is painful and devastating.
He remarked that the young Hassan was a bridge builder who ensured peaceful and harmonious coexistence between his father’s administration and the youths in Nasarawa state.
He acknowledged that late Hassan created the enabling environment for people of his age group from different ethnic and religious backgrounds to appreciate the dynamics of governance which his father was enthroning in the State.
He added: “Your Excellency, it is hard to believe that your son, Hassan has been snatched by death in his prime but be consoled that he will be remembered for the good deeds he promoted among various groups in the state. He will be sorely missed.”
The Governor lamented that the young Hassan died at a time when his services wemosttly needed especially, to salvage the youths from the intractable insecurity challenges where scores of them have been wrongly drafted into.
Ortom urged the bereaved family to be comforted and to take solace in the fact that their son lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
He prayed that God grant the Nasarawa State’s first family the fortitude to bear the loss and the deceased eternal rest.