Zamfara re-strategizes with military to halt resurgence of banditry

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state says the state government has reviewed its strategies with the military in the fight against armed bandits in the state.

The governor stated this in a statewide broadcast on Monday night, urging citizens in the state not to panic over the resurgence of banditry in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Matawalle, who noted that the new attackers were alleged to be coming into Zamfara state from Niger, Kaduna and Kebbi states, maintained that the state government’s doors of reconciliation would remain open for those ready to repent.

“We as government will not allow criminals to give us sleepless nights while under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic, so those who are refusing to surrender from their criminal ways should be ready for the consequences of their actions.

“The military are carrying out a commendable job and we will continue to encourage them in this regard.

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“I wish to condole those who lost their loved ones in these recent attacks and to assure those whose relations are in bandits’ captivity that we will soon get them back,” he said.

On the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Matawalle announced that while the state government has closed all types and levels of schools in the state, it has also provided COVID – 19 testing kits at motor -parks and sanitizers at strategic places throughout the 14 local government areas of the state.

“We know that as the fasting month of Ramadan approaches, many people are likely to marry and I wish to call on our people to avoid crowded places in order to prevent contact with the disease carriers and its spread,” the governor added.