A Federal Government delegation on Friday paid a condolence visit to Katsina State over the assassination of the state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Rabe Nasir.
The high-profile delegation was led by the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Muhammad Buhari, Retired Gen. Babagana Mongunu.
According to Monguno, the president sent the to condole with the Katsina State government and the family of the deceased.
Monguno said “The President has directed that I should lead the delegation on his behalf over the unfortunate incident that happened to a serving commissioner in the state.
“Your Excellency, what happened yesterday, the discovery of the gruesome murder of Dr. Nasir is a very great loss not only to the people of Katsina, but also to the entire nation.
“For a man who has served diligently in various capacities to be cut short by the hands of evil and mindless people, is something that of course has brought untold full shock and sorrow, not only to his immediate family and you as the governor, but indeed to all of us. It has brought home the reality of our time, the security situation which we found ourselves in.
“Of course, the nature of yesterday’s incident, the police have not concluded its investigation. But Mr. President has the confidence in the Nigeria Police.”
According to him, the President is sure that they will uncover those who perpetrated the crime and the proper criminal justice and process of the law will take its course.
The NSA said, “This has illuminated the need for all of us in this country, whatever agency, organization or institution you belong, to understand the gravity of such an incident.
“And also to ensure not only to forestall such in the future, but to actually reach an end stage in which these things do not happen again.
“Nevertheless, Mr. President wants me and members of the delegation to reassure you of his commitment to ensure safety and security for individuals and institutions.
“We feel for you, the family of the deceased and the people of Katsina state over the assassination of Dr. Nasir.
“And the President is deeply touched and shocked that such assassination can take place in the light of day.
“It is our hope and desire that these culprits are trailed and brought to book, and the justice system takes its course.
“We assured you that all the security agencies would be given the necessary support to carry out their functions,” he assured.
Responding, Gov. Masari said he appreciated the visit, revealing that the president had called him on phone to console him over the incident, and he explained to him what really happened.
“It is our prayer that God, in His infinite mercy, will give the soul of Dr. Nasir a peaceful resting place. For us as a government, we would miss him.
“A hard working, intelligent person, and above all a very trustworthy colleague, he also held on to the truth in his dealings.
“He was an intelligent Officer in the DSS and EFCC before he eventually joined politics where he became a House of Representatives member.
“He has served this nation in various capacities, and he has given his best for his country and for his family.
“The testimony of his mother is enough for anyone who gets such from his mother.” Masari said.
According to him, despite the banditry challenges in some parts of the country, the incident appeared as a totally different scenario.
“He was killed not by gun, but using knife, and also nothing of his personal belongings that is known was taken away. And the house was not broken into.
“The incident appears like the perpetrators were admitted freely by the deceased, or somebody gave them the keys with which they gained access to the house.
“But I know an investigation by security agencies would reveal what really happened. And I urge the public with any information about the incident, no matter how little it is, to inform the security operatives.”
Members of the delegation are the Inspector General of Police (IG), Usman Alkali Baba, DG, SSS, Yusuf Bichi, DG NIA, Amb. Ahmed Rufa’i, and the Director-General of the DSS, Yusuf Bichi, the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufa’i, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebay. (NAN)
