Bandits’ commander, Daudawa, gang members quit, surrender 21 AK47, RPG weapons in Zamfara

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

Leader of a notorious bandit gang, Auwalu Daudawa, and six other members have surrendered over 26 high calibre weapons 21 of which are AK47 riffles, one RPG and four other dangerous weapons to Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Muhammed Matawalle.

The governor, in turn, handed the weapons over to the state police command.

They declared their repentance from banditry before Governor Matawalle and security agencies in Gusau on Monday.

In a brief ceremony at the Government House Gusau, Daudawa handed over the weapons with he and six of his gang members swearing with the Holy Qur’an never to engage in banditry ever again.

Auwalu Daudawa said he was not surrendering his weapon out of fear but the belief that Governor Matawalle is sincere in his peace initiative being that his team members are tired of the old ways.

He said he was no longer interensted in going back to the bush but that he should be allowed to stay in Gusau for education purposes, while asking for pardon and forgiveness from the society.

Receiving the repentants, Governor Matawalle commended the courage of Daudawa for embracing the peace initiative of the state government, promising his admistration’s commitment to honouring and fulfilling all the terms of agreement leading to the peace deal and that he will continue to woo others in the bush until there would no more bandits remaining in Zamfara State.

Matawalle also lauded the Council of Ulama and residents of the state for supporting the peace initiative.

“We are going ahead with the process as agreed with all stakeholders in the state. We are in this dialogue to ensure sustainable peace in the state. We are committed to that and we are working day and night to achieve the goal.

“We thank Daudawa and his members for their repentance and implore them to join hands with the state government in convincing others to also repent,” the governor said.

He also urged other unrepentant bandit groups in the state to subscribe to the peace initiative in the state.

“Today we have more than 20 AK-47 released by the former bandits, this is very commendable.

“I call on people of the state to pray for Daudawa and his team so that he can maintain his oath.

“We should give them benefit of the doubt as we are going to provide them with accommodation in the town.

“We are going to assist them to improve their livelihood in the town,” he said.