From John Bassey, Gusau
Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, has urged northwest governors to unite against terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.
The minister made the call during a condolence visit to Maru, following the brutal murder of Alkali Salihu Suleiman, Chief Imam of Maru Juma’at Mosque, and two of his children by bandits who abducted them two months prior.
Matawalle expressed concern over the rising trend of bandits targeting religious leaders. “Armed banditry is recently taking a new dimension in the state where religious leaders are now the target,” he said. As Zamfara’s APC leader and Minister, he pledged to deploy more personnel to eliminate criminals.
He assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is taking decisive steps to end banditry in the northwest. “The President has provided all the necessary equipment to the military, and soon, they will ensure the return of peace in the region,” Matawalle added.
He urged citizens to provide security agencies with accurate intelligence, stressing that security requires everyone’s support, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Matawalle, represented by Hon Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, APC Zamfara Secretary, led a delegation to Maru. He called for synergy between northwest state governments and the federal government to halt bandit activities.
Matawalle donated five million naira, ten bags of rice, ten cartons of spaghetti, and ten cartons of macaroni to the bereaved family. Alh Abubakar Gado Maigari, Emir of Maru, received the delegation, thanking Matawalle for his concern and praying for his continued guidance and protection.