From Our Reporter
The Zamfara state commissioner of Information Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara has affirmed that about 2,619 people were killed, 1,190 others kidnapped, and N970 million paid as ransom between 2011 and 2019 in the six northern states.
Dosara, who spoke to newsmen in Kaduna said “there were over 30,000 bandits in Zamfara state and the five neighbouring states, lamenting that the number of security and intelligence to tackle banditry were grossly inadequate..
He maintained that with about 6,000 troops in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto and Kebbi states to tackle over 30,000 bandits, it became imperative for Zamfara state Government to find an enduring solution to the security challenges in the state hence the introduction of dialoguing with the bandits by Governor Bello Matawalle.
He said that with 14,378 animals rustled and over 100,000 people displaced within the last eight years, the greatest challenge facing Governor Matawalle’s administration was insecurity.
“Before the coming of the present administration of Dr Bello Mohammed Matawallen Maradun on May 29, 2019, as the Governor, Zamfara people were in a devastated state of dilemma and fear of the unknown due to rural banditry.
“Over 2,619 people were killed between 2011 and 2019. This is in addition to the 1,190 people kidnapped by the bandits. The records also show that the sum of N970 million was paid as ransom, while 14,378 animals were rustled within the period.
“With the coming of Governor Bello Matawalle drastic measures were put in place to control the situation. The peace and reconciliation process undertaken by the government has yielded positive result.”
Speaking further he said, “At least there are almost 100 different bandit camps with no fewer than 300 bandits in each of these camps having sophisticated weapons with them.
“This is coupled with the shortage of manpower in the security sector and a very poor intelligence network. Yet, the governor must ensure the protection of the lives and property of the people.
“Now, which is the best option for the Governor? Watch his people being killed or go for dialogue and continue to use the repentant bandits to convince the recalcitrant bandits to save the lives of the people?”
