Insecurity: Governor, Defence Minister In War of Words 

Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Mobilization, stated this yesterday in Gusau, the state capital while responding to statements by former governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Muhammad Bello Matawalle.

Ahmad emphasized that Governor Dauda Lawal is making significant progress in combating banditry, highlighted by recent revelations from prominent bandit leader Bello Turji.

Turji, in a video released on social media, linked the escalation of banditry in Zamfara and other states in the northwestern part of the country to the policies rolled out by the administration of Matawalle when he was governor, including initiating an amnesty scheme that provided financial rewards and protection for bandits who surrendered their arms and abandoned criminality.

But Matawalle described the claims as baseless and mere attempt to distract and discredit him.

In a statement signed by a former commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, the former governor accused his successor of neglecting the state’s security issues.

He said, “It is regrettable that all of Zamfara is under siege by bandits, with no local government headquarters untouched. Currently, Gusau, the state capital, faces daily attacks by bandits.

“I strongly advise the current administration of Dauda Lawal Dare to redirect the substantial funds being used to tarnish my reputation towards protecting the lives and property of the people of Zamfara State.”

Reacting, Ahmad said the current administration would continue taking necessary actions to end banditry in the state, expressing readiness to collaborate with anyone committed to freeing Zamfara from the menace.

He said, “We thank God; the prayers of the people of Zamfara State have been answered. The bandits are now disclosing crucial information about their sponsors and collaborators. The measures taken by the current administration to address insecurity are yielding positive results.

“I am confident that, gradually, God Almighty will vindicate the present administration. I want to reaffirm our position: we will not reconcile with any bandit leader. We will continue fighting them. Those willing to surrender should do so, and those who are not will be fought.”

He also refuted claims linking the Zamfara State Government to bandit leaders, stating, “How can a government that refuses to reconcile with bandits be connected to them? It doesn’t make sense. Those with links to bandits know themselves. We thank God one of the bandits has begun making serious revelations.”