I’m Pained I Was Unable To Visit Zamfara – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the cancellation of his visit to Zamfara State on Thursday.

Naija News had reported that Buhari’s scheduled visit to the North West state was cancelled due to “bad weather” and was rescheduled for next week.

In a television broadcast on Thursday evening, President Buhari apologised to the people of Zamfara for being unable to make it to the state, adding that he looks forward to a friendly weather during his next visit.

A statement released by the Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as saying that he was pained and sad that his trip was cancelled, promising to visit the state as soon as possible.

He said: “It pains me that I can no longer be with you today as I had planned. I had just finished what I came to do in Sokoto at the BUA cement facility and was looking forward to meeting you.

“I have been told that the trip cannot hold anymore because of bad weather which has made it impossible for my helicopter to fly to Gusau from Sokoto.

“I understand how you feel about this development but I know that you will agree with me that Allah knows best. I particularly sympathise with your governor, Bello Matawalle, and his cabinet who have put everything in place to make the visit a successful one.

“I look forward to a more weather-friendly period when I will visit.”

The President assured the people of Zamfara that peace would soon return to the state, adding that the military is doing its best to flush out terrorists from the state.

The Nigerian leader added that he has directed security agencies to sustain operations against bandits in the state and the North West region.

He added: “I am directing our security agencies to sustain the onslaught against terrorists, restrict cross-boundary infiltration and all unauthorised access to the goldmines in the state.

“The Federal Government and the Zamfara State Government are working to ensure that peace returns to all parts of the State in the shortest possible time and we expect all citizens to cooperate with, and support in all ways, the Armed Forces and other security agencies.”