Zamfara okays full onslaught by military against bandits

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has revealed that his government has resolved with the military to resume full onslaught against unrepentant bandits in the state. 

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailni Bappa and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Gusau. 

Daily Times recalls that the state had in the last two months recorded a gradual and steady resurgence of armed bandits and kidnappers. 

According to him, the fire power which has already taken effect in the state has started yielding positive results.

“It has led to the rescue of 13 kidnap victims including the district head of Wuya in Anka Local Government Area, who was kidnapped along with his son and the chief imam of the village shortly after their afternoon prayer, last week,’’ he said. 

The statement said the rescued victims have since undergone medical check-up at the state government’s health facility and have been reunited with their family members. 

Bappa said the victims were earlier handed over to Gov. Matawalle by the state Commissioner of Police, Usman Nagogo. 

He added that while the governor reiterated his administration’s ban on the volunteer security group known as ‘San sa kai’, he however, warned that his administration would deal decisively with any traditional leader found supporting the activities of the outlawed group including being dethroned. 

The statement said the renewed military action has also led to the arrest of seven informants to the bandit, who would soon be moved to Abuja to face the consequences of their actions.