Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure the safety of lives and property of all persons living in the state.
He gave the assurance when he received a Federal Government's delegation on a condolence visit over the bomb blast in Kano the metropolis on March 18..
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation was led by the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro.
A statement from the Kano State Government House, quoted Kwankwaso as saying that the State Government and other stakeholders were working together to ensure the protection of lives and property.
“Kwankwaso told the delegation that the blast affected all manners of people and was not restricted to a particular ethnic group as widely suggested on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.’’
The statement said that Kwankwaso decried the ethno-religious connotation given to the blast by some politicians he called “Abuja politicians.
“It is time for us (Nigerians) to work as a family to bring the security challenges to an end and not use sentiments to worsen the tension.’’
The statement said that Kwankwaso had read out to the delegation the list of 25 casualties of the attack who were currently receiving medication in hospitals in the state.
“The governor noted that most of them are either from Kano or are of Northern extraction. He said the list is a possible reflection of the number of those that lost their lives during the regrettable incident, a number which is yet to be ascertained,’’ it said.
The statement said that Moro had earlier expressed President Goodluck Jonathan’s sadness over the incident.
“The president is saddened by the fact that, in spite of the spirited and determined effort of? government to contain the conflict, sectarian crisis has continued to occur in the state,’’ it quoted Moro as saying.
The statement said the delegation included the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, and the Minister of Police Affairs, retired Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade.
Others were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, among others.