Atiku donates N50m to victims of Katsina bandit attack

Paschal Emeka, Abuja

Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has donated a sum of N50 million to victims of banditry in Katsina State.

The former Vice-President also promised to address security and economic challenges bedeveling the country, if elected in 2023.

Atiku made this vow at the PDP presidential campaign rally in Katsina on Tuesday.

Following the attacks by bandits, many of the victims of the attack have resorted to take refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs’) camps.

During a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmuminu Kabir-Usman at his Palace in Katsina, Atiku sympathized with the people of the state and other states as regards the insecurity and other challenges bedeviling the nation.

He said: “I sympathize with the people of Katsina and other northern states that are facing security and economic challenges.

“I want to assure you that if elected as president of Nigeria, I will end all these challenges.

“On behalf of myself, I donate the sum of N50 million to victims of banditry in the state who have relocated to other places as a result of bandits attacks in their communities,” Atiku stated.

Responding, the Emir said the emirate will only pray and support candidates willing to tackle security challenges facing the state and other parts of the North.

He lauded Atiku for his willingness to tackle the evils of insecurity and poverty in the country if elected president in 2023.

Atiku also visited the mother of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Hajia Aya Dada Yar’Adua, at her residence in Katsina. Present at the visit was former first lady, Turai Umar Musa Yar’Adua.

The campaign train also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Duara, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk.

Atiku noted that the PDP is determined to move the country forward and called on Nigerians to come out en masse to vote for the party’s candidates in 2023 general elections.

Speaking further at the Katsina rally, Atiku said PDP has done a lot in developing Katsina hence the need for the people to reciprocate by voting its candidates in 2023.

The PDP National Chairman, Mr. Iyorchia Ayu, said Katsina was the second home of Atiku.

According to Ayu, it was high time for those who left the party to come back and move it forward.

Also speaking, the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate and Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, said that the party has the ability to take the country out of the challenges bedeviling it.

Okowa said that Nigeria would be better again with people like Atiku as president.

“Security challenges will be a thing of the past if Nigerians elect the party’s presidential candidate during the 2023 poll,” he said.