Zamfara govt no longer interested in dialogue with bandits – Gov Matawalle

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

The Zamfara State Government has resolved not to negotiate with any group of bandits anymore.

This was disclosed by the state governor, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, shortly after Friday prayers at Dalla Dalla Jumat Mosque in Gusau.

He said measures taken by his government against bandits had started yielding positive response.

The governor also spoke about how the measures taken so far to block sources of livelihood of the bandits were yielding desired results as, according to him, some of the bandits had started relocating to other places in search of basic needs of live.

He further disclosed that some of the bandits had started sending emissaries to government on the need to dialogue with a view to laying down their arms for peace to reign in the state but that it was no longer interested in engaging them in dialogue.

He said although he had earlier called on the misguided fellows to embrace the peace initiative of the state government but that, at that time, they refused.

Governor Bello continued, saying that it would be impossible for the government to sit on roundabout me that its collabration with Federal Government had taken drastic measures against the recalcitrant bandits, launching attacks into their camps and denying them access to survival by blocking all supply routes to them.

He said some of the measures taken include total military offensive, suspension of all communication networks in Zamfara State, non-selling of fuel in jerry cans, closing of all weekly markets, among other security measures taken towards ending insecurity in the state.

He re-iterated the determination of his administration to ensure compliance with the measures taken by the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that the bandits are eliminated.

In another development, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ayuba Elkana, had announced additional security measures taken such as banning the riding of motorcycles across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state and the earlier enforcement of restrictions on motorcycles and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) from 6:00pm to 6:00am.

Elkana further said some unscrupulous elements were using their vehicles to supply petrol and other food items to bandits, “this must stop”, he said.

The police boss appealed to the people to bear with the security agencies, saying the measures put in place were in the best interest of the state.

He urged them to remain law abiding and collaborate with the agencies in ensuring that peace is restored in the state.