John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has disowned a suit instituted at the Federal High Court Kaduna, seeking N33 billion compensation from the federal government over the Nigerian Army bombingthat killed over 100 people and injured many others.
One Dalhatu Salihu, said to be from the community, was reported to have filed the case on behalf of the community, through one Mukhtar Usman, a lawyer, demanding for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights.
However, speaking during a “thank you visit” to Governor Uba Sani, yesterday, at the Government House, Kaduna, leaders of the community and families of those directly affected by the unfortunate incident, led by Balarabe Garba, the village head, said the community was not aware of the suit and had not mandated anyone to go to court on their behalf.
Besides, the village head also said no one in the community answered the name, “Dalhatu Salihu.”
Garba said the community was satisfied with the action of the federal government and the support rendered so far by the Kaduna State government following the incident.
The community while thanking the government for the various promises made, appealed to the government to consider jobs for graduates, who were from the village.
“We learnt that some people went to court on our behalf. We are not part of this. We didn’t support this and we didn’t send anyone to go to court.
“We are peaceful people and we don’t support taking government to court. We are happy with the reaction of the Kaduna state and federal government following the bomb incident.
“The federal government and Kaduna State government took several measures and made promises, which we can only appreciate them for the support.”
Rev. Musa Saidu, leader of the Christians in the community, also expressed appreciation to the state and the federal government for the steps taken to support the people of the community over the accident.
“We are united and we do things together. There is no way we are going to support anyone to take measures against the government, who came to our assistance and is doing everything possible to ensure the welfare of the people of the community,” he said.
In his response, Governor Sani said several people have made attempts to give the bomb incident religious colouration or politicise it, but being one of the most united communities in Kaduna sSate, the resilient community resisted all the overtures.
“The gap between church and mosque in the community is less than 100 meters. The idea of anyone going to court on behalf of the family of the victims is not true.
“The community asked us to investigate the issue and anyone found wanting would face the law. We assured them that Kaduna state government will continue to support them.”
