Zamfara's Governor Matawalle to meet security experts in Dubai in bid to end banditry

ZAMFARA State's Governor Bello Matawalle has announced plans to with security experts in Dubai as part of a comprehensive programme to tackle the ongoing insecurity across the state that has turned it into a haven for armed bandits.

Alhaji Yusuf Idris, the governor's spokesman, said that he travelled on Sunday to perform the lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia and would stop over in Dubai to meet with security experts to seek advice in his way back. It is part of a comprehensive programme that has seen Governor Matawalle meet with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (Macban) over recent weeks.

Alhaji Idris said: “The governor will meet with security experts in Dubai and share ideas on the best way to end the menace of armed banditry in the state. He is also expected to meet with the officials of Saudi Arabian government to discuss ways towards the release of the Zamfara-born Alaramma Ibrahim, who has been in detention for almost two years, over alleged drugs trafficking.

“From our findings, his arrest followed a frame-up initiated from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. While in Dubai, the governor will also meet with officials of African Development Bank and some investors interested in investing into the Zamfara economy.”

Last week, Governor Matawallen spoke at a meeting he reconvened with Macban leader Alhaji Muhammad Zuru, deputy governor Mahadi Aliyu Gusau, speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly Nasir  Magarya, the People Democratic Party State chairman Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and the secretary to the state government Alhaji Bala Bello Maru. He informed them that a bill would be presented to the state house of assembly for a law introducing the death sentence for unjust killings by either the bandits or the Civilian Joined Task Force.

According to Governor Matawallen, his administration had plans for various developmental projects for rural and nomadic communities and would be launched as soon as peace was restored in the state. He called on the nomadic communities to embrace peace, surrender their arms and enjoy the development programmes of his administration.

Macban leader Alhaji Zuru, reiterated his commitment to employing every workable solution for the attainment of peace. He alleged that his previous efforts were scuttled by the past administration but expressed optimism that Governor Matawallen would end banditry in Zamfara State.