Gov Matawalle decries rising banditry, warns against opportunism

*Says may consider more stringent measures

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

Governor of Zamfara State, Hon Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has expressed his utmost concern over the rising banditry activities in the state in recent times, especially the rise of informants to criminals.

The Governor, who commiserated with families and loved ones of victims of the recent unfortunate abduction of promising young entrepreneurs of Bebeji Plaza, said his administration is not oblivious of the situation at hand and has since taken more security steps in arresting its escalation.

“This singular incident marks another sad moment in the fight against the security challenges we are facing in our dear state. I appeal to the families of all abducted persons to have confidence in our ability to do all that is needed to be done in rescuing their dear ones. I have directed all security agencies for speedy location of the abducted persons and will, in sha Allah, be rescued”, Governor Matawalle announced.

“Of very important concern is our determination to ensure that rural areas are free to go about their activities this farming season”, Governor Matawalle added.

However, the Governor warned that his administration will not tolerate any act of indiscipline from unscrupulous persons who want to manipulate the present situation to score cheap political goals. The Government, he said, will no longer fold its arms and allow heartless people to go on manipulating the misfortune of innocent citizens for their selfish political ends.

“We are a responsible Government and we shall not relent in ensuring the safely of all our citizens at all times. However, we shall not condone calculated political sabotage or vagaries and indiscriminate abuse of privileges to jeopardize our fragile security situation in the state” Governor Matawalle warned.

“We have noted the rise of informants’ activities leading to many unfortunate banditry attacks on soft targets. We shall take more stringent steps in addressing the current situation, including possible communication shut down once again”, Governor Matawalle revealed.

Governor Matawalle, further, advised all stakeholders to be alert and counter the activities of informants in their midst by assisting security operatives with intelligence in order to effectively address the security challenges threatening our communities the moment.