From Maiharaji Altine Gusau
Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has said that the dialogue with bandits is still relevant just as he secured the release of 26 girls who are indegens of Katsina State.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Zailani Baffa said the girls who were all minors were rescued by the Governor from bandits without payment of ransom.
Baffa said the girls who were kidnapped by bandits in Faskari local government area of Katsina state were brought into the bushes of Zamfara state and were miraculously discovered by the state Government and got released through dialogue with the bandits.
“Governor Matawalle who received the rescued girls said his administration will not abandon the peace dialogue with bandits as fire power alone cannot solve the problem of banditry in the state”. Said Baffa.
Matawalle said “this is a testimony to our vision for engaging the bandits in peace dialogue’.
“For those who believe we are wrong to dialogue with the bandits, the securing of these minors who are all girls, unhurt, is indeed, priceless”.
According to the statement “The 26 rescued girls, whose ages ranges between 8 and 12 were medically checked and provided with new clothes. Governor Matawalle ordered for their safe return to Katsina state”.
This latest rescue, according to Baffa brought the total number of those released by bandits in the last one week to more than 40.
