ZAMFARA: Matawalle threatens to deal with those sabotaging security efforts as bandits kill 13

* Accuses “some politicians” of sabotaging his govt’s efforts at curbing insecurity

WHAT appeared to be a series of coordinated attacks were launched on different parts of the state yesterday while Governor Bello Matawalle was holding a security meeting with traditional rulers, security agents and religious leaders at the Government House.

According to the governor, who said he received the details of attacks through phone calls, 13 people were killed while 11 others were kidnapped.

Disclosing this while addressing participants at the security meeting, the governor stated: “As I am speaking to you right now, I received text messages that, 13 people were killed in Bingi and 11 others were kidnapped in Nahuche, all in the Bungudu Local Government Area.

“I also received another message just now that, some people are staging a demonstration between Anka and Jangebe.

“Another report reaching me right now indicated that the Yansakai have slaughtered two Fulani herdsmen in Maradun local government.”

Matawalle expressed surprise on how the bandits always attacked and killed people whenever he travelled out of the state.

“I wonder what is happening, but I am not surprised because I know that there are some politicians who are always happy to hear that some people are killed in Zamfara.

“Let me send a strong warning to them, that as from today, I will take a very drastic action against those politicians who are sabotaging our security efforts.”

He directed the Commissioner of Police to summon the Emir of Maradun, Alhaji Garba Tambari; and the Sarkin Arewan Maradun, Alhaji Bala, to explain how the two Fulani herdsmen were slaughtered.

Matawalle maintained that, he has done everything within his powers to end banditry through dialogue, lamenting, however, that “many people are against this peace process.”