Clerics Laud Governor Uba Sani for Fulfilling Promises to Families of Violence Victims

By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Religious leaders in Kaduna State have commended Governor Uba Sani for consistently fulfilling promises made to citizens, particularly families affected by violence and insecurity.

The commendation was made by the Archbishop of the Kaduna Province, Most Rev. (Dr.) Timothy Yahaya, and the Northern Coordinator of the Global Peace Foundation, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, during the presentation of title documents for two houses to bereaved families at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Monday.

Governor Sani had earlier promised to provide houses for Mrs. Sarah Achi and Malam Usman Aliyu after they lost their spouses under tragic circumstances. Mrs. Achi’s husband, Ven. Edwin Achi, was killed after being abducted, while Mallama Ummulkhairi Aliyu, an Islamic teacher, was lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos in June.

The governor also pledged to take responsibility for the education and welfare of Ummulkhairi’s four children.

Fulfilling those commitments, Governor Sani on Monday presented the title documents of the houses to Mrs. Achi and Malam Usman Aliyu during a brief ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Archbishop Yahaya, visibly emotional, said words could not adequately express the gratitude of the church and the affected families.

“It is one thing for leaders in our society to make promises, and it is another thing to fulfil them. But God has blessed us with a governor who always follows through on his promises and keeps his word,” he said.

He added that the governor’s gesture had restored hope to the bereaved families and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon his administration.

“We pray for lasting peace in Kaduna State so that this kind of tragedy will never happen again. As a man committed to peace and unity, may the Lord bless all that you are doing and make it a lasting legacy of your administration,” Archbishop Yahaya said.

Also speaking, Sheikh Maraya praised Governor Sani’s compassion, recalling his immediate visit to console the family of the late Ummulkhairi following her mob killing in Maraban Jos.

He noted that the governor had fulfilled his earlier pledge of a ₦10 million donation to the family.

“We were informed that the family has received the ₦10 million donation as promised,” he said.

According to the cleric, the governor has also directed the relevant authorities to identify a suitable school in Kaduna for Ummulkhairi’s four children, in line with his commitment to sponsor their education.

“The governor also promised to provide the family with a befitting home, and today a three-bedroom bungalow has been secured for them. We sincerely thank you for always ensuring that your actions match your words,” Sheikh Maraya said.

He described Governor Sani as “a fountain of mercy” to the people of Kaduna since assuming office and prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, protection and elevation for him.

Responding, Governor Uba Sani said supporting families affected by banditry and insecurity has remained a deliberate policy of his administration since assuming office in 2023.

He recalled that the Kaduna State Government handed over 50 houses to victims of bandit attacks last year and expressed satisfaction that the support programme was being sustained.

“As a government, we will never abandon the families of victims of insecurity in Kaduna State. We will continue to stand by them. I am particularly happy that Mrs. Achi has recovered after spending many months in the hospital,” the governor said.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and the welfare of all residents, irrespective of religion or ethnic background, stressing that government support should be most visible to those who have suffered the greatest losses.