By Attahiru Ahmed Gusau
Zamfara State Governor Bello Mattawale has confirmed the killing of 45 people by bandits at kadawa village of Zurmi local government area.
He emphasised that some invincible hands are plotting evil against the people to make the state terrifying.
Matawalle spoke at a press conference held Saturday evening at the Government house in Gusau.
He said it was necessary to address the people over the recent escalation in the wave of banditry in some parts of Zamfara State.
“As you are aware, the most recent one is the attack on Kadawa village, Zurmi Local Government Area. The reports we received confirmed that the bandits had killed 45 innocent people.”
He said “With heavy heart, I convey my condolences on behalf of my family and the entire people of the State over this massacre.”
He expressed sadness, even as he described it as unfortunate and barbaric act of cowardice.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the whole people of Kadawa of Zurmi Local Government Area, and all families that have lost their loved ones across the State”.
“I want to tell you that we will stay doubly proactive in confronting these men of the underworld” he said.
“These gang of criminals have made us to believe that violence is the only language they understand, more than ever before, we are determined to pay them in the same coin”.
He disclosed that in recent weeks, the act of banditry has reverted to the ugly dimensions it had prior to the coming of his administration. “The marauders kill without regard for any rules of sanity”.
“Women, the elderly, and children are not spared. As a result, a large number of people have been displaced in nearly every town in the State.
“My dear people of Zamfara, you are witnesses to what we have accomplished from the beginning of our administration, particularly the peace and reconciliation efforts that we initiated and achieved.”
He further revealed that his Administration had been able to shift violent narratives to one of optimism and peaceful coexistence. “Unfortunately, things suddenly took a dramatic turn, and things are getting worse by the day”.
“It is clear that some invincible hands are plotting evil against our people, with the goal of making our State as terrifying as it were in the years gone.
“My constant prayer is for Allah to reveal those who are perpetrating these cruel atrocities against our people.”
He assured that he will remain steadfast in an efforts to eradicate banditry and all types of criminality from the State.
“In this battle, no sacred cow. Whosoever is involved in these dastardly acts, no matter how highly placed, would be dealt with according to the law.
“We have demonstrated this commitment based on the actions we have taken in respect of Emir of Maru, Emir of Dansadau and, following yesterday’s incident, the Emir of Zurmi”.
He said the present Administration has resolved to begin implementing the recommendations of the MD Abubakar-led Committee on finding Solutions to Banditry in Zamfara State as a next step in addressing this problem.
“We would not spare anyone indicted by the committee’s report, no matter how high up they are.
“Let me reiterate my call during the special sermon and prayers yesterday that our people should complement the efforts of the security forces by defending their communities in the wake of any attacks.
“This strategy is part of the decisions taken by the northern states governors to combat the menace of banditry and related crimes in the region”.
He called on the people to be vigilant and cooperate with the security operatives for the success of the battle, saying the fight against insecurity requires concerted efforts.
“In one way or the other, everybody has a role to play in addressing our security challenges” Matawalle added.
