*Warns bandits to repent or change base
By BASHIR ADEFAKA, Lagos and IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
The Zamfara Statetate Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed dismay over the security agencies in the state not responding to distress calls whenever the need arises from the communities and when the people are attacked by bandits.
He said he had been receiving reports from various communities that the security agencies did not respond to distress calls when they were being attacked by the bandits.
He made the disclosure, while receiving a high power delegation of Progressive Governors’ Forum led by its Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, who paid him a solidarity visit at Government House Gusau, over the recent killings of several people in some villages of the state.
The Matawalle of Maradun, who is also the Shettima of Sokoto, reiterated his determination to continue with the peace effort as the only solution to dialogue with the bandits.
He further said he has already informed the President of the new development in the state while appealing to the security agencies to be proactive in the discharge of their responsibilities.
In a statement on the visit sent to The DEFENDER by the Director General, Media, Public Enlightenment and Communications, Government House, Malam Yusuf Idris Gusau, the Zamfara State Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, warned the armed bandits in the state to repent or change base as he draws a new roadmap in his approach to handling the issue of security challenges facing the state.
The governor issued the warning Saturday when the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum paid sympathy and condolence visit to the state.
“The Shattiman Sakkwato who said his recent suspension of a district head in Shinkafi emirate for conniving with bandits was just a tip of the iceberg said, in the next four days, he will overwhelm all those making life unbearable to innocent citizens in the state.
“Matawalle further said he has discussed extensively with President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation’s service chiefs on the new approach which is most likely going to deal seriously with deceptive and unrepentant bandits.
“He thanked security agencies for their support and cooperation in the fight against armed banditry and also thanked members of the public for sharing vital information to address suspicious movements.
“The Shattiman Sakkwato thanked the two visiting governors, Atiku Bagudo of Kebbi who is the Chairma APC Governors’Forum and governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa for the visit and their concern.
Earlier while delivering his condolence message, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said they were in the state to extend their heartfelt condolence to the government and good people of Zamfara State over the recent bandits attacks that resulted in the lost of innocent souls
“Senator Bagudu said they were together with governor Matawalle in Abuja holding meeting on security when the sad incident happened which forced the governor to leave for Zamfara to ensure total control of the situation.
“As a result, we followed him to Gusau and consoled him as a good brother who we shared the same pains and grief with.
He prayed that the attack will be the last in the state and prayed for the souls of the departed.
The visit was attended by Speaker Zamfara State House Assembly, Hon Nasiru Maazu Magarya,, Honorary Advisor to the Governor Ambassador Bashir Yuguda Gusau, Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Alhaji Bala Bello Maru, Head of Service, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Chief of Staff Government House, Col Bala Mande rtd, PDP State Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani Maikatako, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries and Directors General among others.
