Tobias Sylvester
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has announced a donation of N50 million to the victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
Bola Tinubu Visit Kaduna Over Train Attack
The APC chieftain, who announced the donation on Tuesday during his visit to Kaduna over the recent train attack, called for improved efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
Describing the terrorists’ action as shameful, Tinubu said Nigeria was bleeding and it was imperative for the people to fight banditry and terrorism with all their energy and everything the country has.
He said, “We are facing the current challenges seriously and we have to do more. Nigeria bleeds on behalf of everybody.
“We need to fight terrorism with all our energy and whatever we have. It’s not shameful for people to be poor but it’s unacceptable to accept poverty as a norm. It’s shameful to be callous, wicked and be a bully or terror to instill fear in humanity and it’s not acceptable.
“I am here on a condolence visit to Kaduna to sympathise with the Governor and people of Kaduna and entire Nigeria. What happened to the people on the Abuja to Kaduna train on Monday last week was a disaster for all of us, a sad day.
“Whatever happens to Nigerians happens to all of us. I understand that some people are still missing. Innocent people maimed, killed, family suddenly thrown into sorrow it’s frustrating. But we must submit to the will of God.”
Tinubu, who was received by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, also donated N50 million to the state government for victims of the attack.
He added: “Malam El-Rufai, the Governor we walk with you in every aspect of the way because you are the symbol of unity. We cannot forget that in a hurry. It’s a symbol of Nigeria’s unity.
“It’s about service but if enemy of progress feel they can deter you from that service and human development, we would all say no.
“I am here with my entourage to support and pledge that whatever we need to do, we will do to make reasonable contribution to the welfare of the victims.
“I urge Nigerians to contribute to the welfare of the victims either in hospital recovering or in their homes.”
On his part, El-Rufai appreciated Tinubu for cancelling his 70th birthday colloquium as a mark of respect for the victims of the train attack, saying the gesture was a show of good leadership and empathy for the people.
He said, “This visit preempted my planned visit to Asiwaju to thank him for solidarity with the people of Kaduna for cancelling his colloquium the day it was to take place.
“This gesture by Asiwaju is a show of powerful leadership, empathy and concern for the lives and property of Nigerians. It’s unprecedented in our history in Nigeria.
“The government and people of Kaduna State will never forget this gesture. We are very grateful to you for the service, sacrifice and commitment to the unity and that of our country.
“We appreciate your call for people to contribute to enable us to rehabilitate the victims of this tragedy.
“We are aware of your aspiration to be president of this country, we look forward to further engagement so that we can progress that aspiration.
“Nigeria is at a crossroads, a critical crossroads, and we must take very difficult decisions to get the right leaders that would take us out of the multiple quagmires that we are going through.
“These are human challenges and they can be solved by human ingenuity. I pray for God to choose who is best for Nigeria so that we will be the better, united, progressive and exemplary country that is fair and just to everyone.”
Tinubu later visited the St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kaduna to commiserate with victims of the attack.
KanyiDaily had reported how a train heading from Abuja to Kaduna was attacked by terrorists who opened fire on 362 passengers on board, killing some and whisking away an unspecified number of people on Monday night, March 28.
