In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and commitment to the safety of his people, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON, made a triumphant return to Zamfara State on Friday, December 20, 2024.
According to a statement on Sunday by Matawalle media office and made available to SINL Nigeria Online, the former governor of Zamfara State received a rousing welcome from over 50,000 jubilant supporters including APC faithfuls who lined the streets to honor his efforts in improving security across the state.
Dr. Matawalle’s choice to travel by road instead of air was a deliberate gesture aimed at boosting the morale of soldiers stationed along the Funtua-Sokoto Highway. The Minister praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their tireless work in combating insecurity, particularly the once-prevalent kidnappings, which are now becoming a thing of the past.
“I am proud of the sacrifices our soldiers are making to protect our citizens. Their quick response and bravery have restored hope to communities previously under siege,” the Minister remarked during his journey.
As his convoy approached Yankara, the border town between Zamfara and Katsina States, thousands of young men and women and APC supporters thronged the streets, singing praise songs in Hausa. Their chants, translating to gratitude for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Matawalle, celebrated the elimination of notorious bandit kingpins who had long terrorized the region.
Dr. Matawalle’s arrival in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, was nothing short of a celebration. The city was alive with festivities, reflecting the people’s renewed optimism under his leadership at the federal level. Along his route, the Minister made multiple stopovers to sympathize with victims of previous security challenges, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
Notably, the visit was marked by calm and order, with no incidents of harassment by security forces. However, the state governor, Dauda Lawal, was conspicuously absent, having reportedly left the state upon learning of Dr. Matawalle’s visit.
This homecoming underscored Dr. Matawalle’s dedication to fostering peace and security in Zamfara State and beyond. His actions resonate as a testament to the transformative impact of focused leadership and collaboration between federal and state governments.
In the words of one supporter at the event: “Dr. Matawalle is not just a leader; he is a beacon of hope for a more secure Zamfara and Nigeria as a whole.”
