By Abdulkareem Haruna

KADUNA, Nigeria — In a remarkable show of solidarity and empathy, Nigerian senators and governors from the country’s northern states have come together to donate a combined sum of N289 million ($716,000) to the victims of the tragic accidental bombing of Tudun Biri by an unmanned Nigerian army drone earlier this month.

In a move that has drawn widespread admiration, Nigerian senators forfeited their December salaries to contribute N109 million ($270,000) to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones.

Adding to this, the governors from the 19 northern states, led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, convened in Kaduna on Friday for their inaugural meeting since the change of leadership in May 2023. They announced a donation of N180 million ($446,000) to aid the victims of the tragic incident.

The governors, including those of Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue and Plateau states, and deputies representing the governors of Nasarawa, Yobe, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Kebbi, Jigawa and Kano states, deliberated on the recent bombing during their meeting. Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was also present.

Under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, the governors visited Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, expressing their sympathy with the injured victims and their families.

In a nine-point communique signed by Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the forum addressed a range of issues, from the urgent need to investigate the Tudun Biri incident and compensate victims, to broader topics such as enhanced security, economic development, youth employment, drug abuse, and the revitalisation of education at all levels.

The forum also resolved to address the environmental challenges affecting Northern Nigeria, which are threatening rural livelihood, inciting conflict between farmers and herders and contributing to poverty and insecurity.

The next meeting of the Northern Governors Forum is scheduled for March 2, 2024.

Public figures and citizens alike have lauded this joint effort by the senators and governors, viewing it as a beacon of hope and unity in the face of adversity. As the country reels from the shock of the unfortunate incident, this act of solidarity brings a glimmer of hope to the grieving families and a promise of a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy.