The Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mumini has commiserated with the people of Gumi Local Government Area over the tragic incidents that claimed the lives of 19 residents of Fas village in recent weeks.
Malam Mumini made this known when led other government officials on a condolence visit to the community, where he sympathized with the families of the victims, the Emirate Council, and the entire people of Gumi.
He described the tragedies as deeply painful, stressing that, the state government is commitment to addressing the root causes.
The Deputy Governor recalled that the first incident occurred when villagers, in panic over a suspected bandits’ attack, rushed into a boat which eventually capsized due to overloading, leading to multiple fatalities.
While the second tragedy, he explained, happened days later, when a Hummer bus carrying wedding guests plunged into the Gwalli River on the process to pass on a sandbag-supported bridge, killing 19 people.
He noted that, although the lawmaker representing the area had earlier raised a motion on the deplorable condition of the bridge, the situation was still under review when the disaster struck.
Mani Malam Mumini said a team of engineers had already been dispatched by the state government to assess the bridge and adjoining road network.
According to Mumini, safety measures had been put in place during the rainy season to prevent further mishaps, while full reconstruction of the bridge work would commence immediately after the raining season.
He emphasized that, Governor Dauda Lawal remains committed to tackling the menace of banditry and kidnapping across the state, while also providing critical infrastructure to improve the living conditions of citizens.
A community leader in Gwalli appealed for urgent intervention and stressed the strategic importance of the collapsed bridge to the people.
He argued that with a competent contractor, the project could be completed within two weeks, thereby bringing succour to the community.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Adamu Aliyu Gumi described the tragedy as a huge loss to the community and called for prompt government action to avert further disasters.
During the visit, the Deputy Governor also paid homage to the Emir of Gumi, Justice Lawal Hassan (Rtd.), and condoled with him over the twin tragedies.
He pledged that more security personnel would be deployed to Gumi and Birnin Magaji local governments to enhance safety.
Mani Malam Mumini also announced the donation of cash to support the families of the deceased in both the incidents.
In his response, the Emir of Gumi, Justice Lawal Hassan urged the state government to collaborate with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to provide modern boats for the council in order to reduce the frequency of boat mishaps.
Justice Hassan lamented that, the traditional wooden canoes currently in use are unsafe and deteriorate quickly, putting lives at risk.
The monarch, however, commended the state government for its resolve to tackle insecurity and infrastructure challenges confronting the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of Gumi Local Government, Aminu Nuhu Falale had also appealed for more security presence, especially in Birnin Magaji axis, citing increasing cases of bandit attacks.
He explained that, the last boat mishap was triggered by panic as villagers attempted to escape from bandits, leading to an overloaded boat capsizing.
In his final remarks, Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mumini assured that additional security would be deployed from Mayanchi Junction through to Gumi to safeguard lives and property.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
