By Abba Gwale
Four Northern Governors said they visited Ibadan to represent Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to identify with their Oyo counterpart Seyi Makinde and sympathise with those who lost their lives and properties in the Shasha Market crisis in the state.
Yesterday, four Governors from Northwestern Nigeria left Kaduna State after they attended stakeholders meeting to Ibadan city; to meet the Hausa community residing there.
In his speech, Kebbi Governor Atiku Bagudu, while addressing stakeholders at the home of Seriki Shasha on Tuesday, said Makinde had been in touch with other Governors since the crisis broke out to gain their understanding and ensure no reprisal attack is carried out in the north.
He said more Governors would have joined them on the trip but that it was generally agreed the four of them were enough to represent them.
“This delegation is from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). Many others would have joined but they felt we were adequate to represent them. On their behalf we commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State on the tragic incident that happened, which regrettably consumed lives and properties. We express our sympathies” said Bagudu
“We arrived yesterday. We got a view of what happened. We were in touch with Governor Makinde all along. Everyone has been concerned about what happened and have been calling.
“We appreciate the governor in restoring peace to prevent retaliation elsewhere. The move has helped to contain the situation.
“From what we gathered we saw that there is an underlying issue about who controls the market. Such issues are best appreciated by participants.
Bagudu also hailed Makinde for his quick intervention, stressing that only criminals cash in on issues that touch on ethnic sentiments to foment trouble.
The team of Governors are from Niger, Zamfara and Kano. The leader of the team was Kebbi state Governor.
