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Tag: Zamfara State

  • Bandits abduct Emirate Council Secretary in Zamfara

    Bandits abduct Emirate Council Secretary in Zamfara

    Armed bandits have abducted the Secretary of the Moriki Emirate Council in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmed Moriki.

    The incident occurred while the Secretary, also known as Mai-Wake, was returning to Moriki village on Monday.

    The terrorists are also reported to ha e also abducted an unspecified number of passengers on the same route.

    Attacks and abductions by bandits has become a regular occurrence in Zamfara State, with many communities sacked as a result.

    Thousands of people have also been killed in bandit attacks in recent years.

    Nigeria’s military has tried to stamp out the gangs and launched air strikes on bandits groups in January.

    There have been a series of attacks in northwest Nigeria, which has seen a sharp rise in mass abductions and other violent crimes since late 2020 as the government struggles to maintain law and order.

  • JUST IN: Gunmen attack convoy of Zamfara State Commissioner

    JUST IN: Gunmen attack convoy of Zamfara State Commissioner

    The convoy of Zamfara State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Zainab Lawal Gummi was on Tuesday attacked by gunmen suspected to be terrorists.

    Available report indicates that the terrorists opened fire on the Commissioners’ convoy of three cars at about 1800hrs at Kwanar Dogon-Karfe, along the Sokoto-Zamfara Federal highway in the Bakura Local Government Area.

    Hajia Gummi, who was in transit from Sokoto to Gusau, the Zamfara’s capital, confirmed the attack saying she’s hale and hearty.

    “None of us were hurt or harmed because we narrowly escaped the ghastly attack despite several shots fired at my car,” she said.

    It was gathered that the terrorists were crossing the federal road on their way to their hideout when they ran into the commissioner’s convoy.

    Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the State Police Command, Mohammed Shehu, said investigation is ongoing.

    “The command is presently investigating the incident with a view to address attacks in the area and bring to book all identified perpetrators,” he added.

  • I-G deploys new CPs for Kano, 2 other states

    I-G deploys new CPs for Kano, 2 other states

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba has ordered the deployment of new Commissioners of Police (CPs) for Kano, Zamfara and Enugu states.

    The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said the CPs affected by the deployment were Abubakar Lawal, Kano,  Kolo Yusuf, Zamfara and Ahmed Ammani, Enugu State.

    Adejobi said the deployment of Lawal to Kano State followed the retirement of the former CP, Samaíla Dikko.

    He said Lawal, a native of Daura in Katsina, holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and had served in various capacities since his commissioning as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1990.

    The police spokesman said Yusufu, the new CP in charge of Zamfara hailed from Niger and holds a Bachelor of Law Degree and is a member of the Nigeria Bar Association.

    He said Yusufu also holds a Masters Degree in Crime Management and Prevention and a Doctorate in International Relations.

    Adejobi said the CP had served in various operational capacities including as Officer in Charge of Anti-Robbery Squad in various states; Commander, I-G Crack Squad and Coordinator, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

    He said Yusuf also served as the Commander Technical Intelligence Unit and Special Tactical Squad under the Force Intelligence Bureau.

    Adejobi said, Ammani, the new CP for Enugu state hailed from Katsina and holds a first Degree in Hausa and Islamic Studies from Bayero University Kano and Post-Graduate Certificate in Corruption Studies from Hong Kong University.

    He said the new Enugu state CP also holds a Master of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

    He had served as Divisional Police Officer in various divisions within Nasarawa State and as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Ondo State.

    Adejobi said the I-G charged the newly deployed CPs to hit the ground running in the areas of crime-fighting, public cooperation and safety.

    The I-G called on the public to support and cooperate with the new Police helmsmen to enable them perform optimally on their mandate.

    The police spokesman said the postings were with immediate effect.

  • Gunmen shoot lawyer to death in Zamfara

    Gunmen shoot lawyer to death in Zamfara

    The Police Command in Zamfara on Friday confirmed the killing of a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Benedict-Torngee Azza by gunmen on Thursday.

    The command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Muhammad Shehu confirmed the killing of the lawyer in Gusau on Friday.

    Shehu said that detectives were on the trail of the killers, as the command beefed up security in the area where the incident occurred.

    Earlier, the state Chairman of NBA, Mr Junaidu Abubakar said Azza was shot after he escaped from his residence at about 10pm.

    He said that the body of the deceased was evacuated by FRSC and Police personnel to Yariman Bakura Specialists Hospital, Gusau.

    According to him, neighbours informed him the deceased was shot by two gunmen suspected to be kidnappers who came on a motorcycle.

    “The information has it that the gunmen wanted to kidnap him at his house in Saminaka area, Behind Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Headquarters, Gusau.

    “But he was able to escape, drove his vehicle and run to the roadside. The gunmen pursued him and shot him dead along the bypass,” he added.

    The NBA chairman added that the neighbours later heard gunshots and the loud sound of a vehicle accident.

    “When they came out and rushed to the scene, they saw Azza opened his vehicle’s door, came out and walked to the main road where he sat down and was bleeding to death.

    “He was shot three times by the gunmen who, after the shooting, took to their heels when they saw people coming to the scene,” Abubakar said.

    Azza hailed from Benue and was the Principal Associate of Benedict Torngee Aza and Associates legal firm in Gusau.

  • Matawalle bars Emirs from conferring traditional titles

    Matawalle bars Emirs from conferring traditional titles

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has barred all traditional rulers in the state from conferring traditional titles without government clearance.

    The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Malam Zailani Bappa, the governor’s Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications.

    “All Emirs, Senior District Heads and District Heads in the state are hereby directed to officially seek permission from the State Government before conferring traditional titles to anyone,” Matawalle was quoted as saying in the statement.

    He said the directive became necessary to check indiscriminate awards and possible abuse of the traditional institution.

    “Henceforth, no Emir, Senior District Head, or District Head must appoint anybody into any traditional office without securing official permission and clearance from the state government.

    “Compliance to this directive is now mandatory and failure to abide by it will attract serious reprimand from the state government,” he warned.

    The directive came after Emir of ‘Yandoto, Alhaji Aliyu Garba-Marafa, conferred the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani on a wanted bandit, Ado Aleiru.

    The appointment generated backlash, with the government suspending the emir and constituting a committee to investigate the matter.

    Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, told journalists that though traditional rulers were given the mandate to appoint title holders, the case of Aleru was different.

    “The emir ought to have written to government seeking for approval through the governor who will forward the request to State Security Council who will screen to look at the pros and cons.

    “None of these were done. It is after the recommendation of the Security Council that the State Executive Council will also have to ratify the recommendation.

    “But like I said, this has not  been done that is why the state government felt there was need to suspend the emir,” Dosara said.

    According to him, the six-man committee investigating the suspended emir has been working and will soon submit its report.

    He said that Zamfara government has no objection if communities reconcile to restore peace, “but there are limitations”.

    The commissioner said that local negotiation for peace with the bandits have been going on in places like Dansadau, Kaura Namoda and Zurmi.

    “The report government is getting is that there is relative peace there as farmers have gone back to farming.

    “In Zurmi Local Government Area for instance, with the peace between repentant bandits and the community, the people are farming together without intimidation or fear.

    ”So, government has no problem with the localisation of the negotiation, and that is what is going on.

    “All we are praying for is that, let this be the root cause of having lasting peace in Zamfara,” he said.

  • Crime Watch: Matawalle – Okowa differ on how citizens should defend themselves against criminals

    The Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Matawalle and his Delta State Counterpart, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa have disagreed on how best Nigerian citizens should defend themselves against criminals in the country.

    While Zamfara has become a hotbed for kidnappers, bandits, cattle rustlers, terrorists and others, Delta is also rife with the issue of kidnapping, armed robbery, insurrection among others.

    Matawalle has advocated the need for citizens to take up arms and defend themselves, but Okowa said his Zamfara counterpart spoke out of understandable frustration.

    Okowa faulted an initial proposition by Matawalle that state residents should bear firearms to defend themselves from terrorists.

    The Governor spoke to journalists on Thursday evening shortly after he met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in his office at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

    Okowa faulted the idea by Matawalle, saying his idea came out of frustration, and that it would have telling consequences for the overall security of the region.

    “I think they need critical thinking because you have to also be in a position to examine the recommendations being made. When recommendations are made and you have not thought through it in full about the consequences of such, then it is also a problem.

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    “It is out of frustration that such recommendations are being made, not doubt. But when you ask everybody to carry guns, you must ask yourself, are Nigerians in the mindset where every single individual can carry his own gun? You will be surprised that with every little argument people will just snuff themselves out.

    “It’s a cause for concern when we hear that kind of recommendation. But the real thing is people are frustrated and he (Governor Matawalle) is also frustrated to the extent that he thinks that is the way to go. I don’t think that is the best recommendation at the moment,” he said.

    “I think we need to begin to look into many other things. Yes, as a quick one, he’s calling for that. But there will be consequences. But we need a long-term approach to deal with insecurity. We need to look at the foundation of the problems that we have. A lot of hunger, joblessness, a lot of people are losing hope. And when you look at all these issues, it brings a lot of frustration. So, we have to address it holistically,” he said.

    On the July 16th Osun governorship election, the PDP Vice Presidential candidate assured that his Party is prepared to take back the governorship seat.

    “A lot is being done. We look forward to the elections. I’m sure the APC would expect a stiff competition. We agree that they are the government in power in that state but they will be definitely expecting a very stiff competition from us. We are poised to take back that state,” Okowa firmly noted.

  • Why we asked Zamfara citizens to acquire guns – Gov Matawalle

    Why we asked Zamfara citizens to acquire guns – Gov Matawalle

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has said that the State Government relied on extant legislation to direct residents to acquire weapons to defend themselves.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Jamilu Magaji, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

    Magaji stated that the governor made the remark while inaugurating some security committees in Gusau.

    The statement explained that the governor’s directive was part of the administration’s efforts to tackle protracted security challenges in the state.

    It added that the State Government was aware of the misgivings expressed in some quarters regarding the new measure.

    It noted that the measure was meant “to encourage the communities suffering almost daily from the inhuman aggressions from the bandits to acquire firearms to defend their communities.

    “Self-defence is a natural instinct and has always been part of human survival strategy.

    “As those entrusted with the safety of lives and property of the people, we will do everything possible to uphold this responsibility within the ambit of the law.

    “We are also aware that the security forces are doing their best to combat this formidable challenge.

    “Their efforts are, however, hampered by the lack of adequate modern warfare equipment and the dearth of personnel.

    “Our decision to mobilise people to secure their communities is, therefore, for the people to complement the efforts of the conventional security forces in dealing with banditry and fishing out informants

    “The acquisition and usage of firearms by the public, who desire to do so, would be governed by the Nigeria Firearms Act,” he further stated.

    The statement added that the state government had explored all options to address the issue to no avail.

    It explained that apart from dialogue, reconciliation and disarmament, the government also had regular engagement with Federal Government and neighbouring states, including the Nigerien authorities.

    “We also shut down mobile telecommunication networks to give security forces the leeway to take the battle directly to the bandits,” the statement added.

    The governor further said that his administration had provided modern RUGA settlement for nomads and logistics support to security agencies, including vehicles and drones.

    He said that in recent weeks, the state witnessed increased attacks in some parts of Gusau, Bukkuyum and Gummi Local Government Areas.

    Matawalle said that government had provided 20 new Hilux Vans and 1,500 motorcycles to the committee on security to commence operation.

  • APC will sweep 2023 polls with landslide – Matawalle

    APC will sweep 2023 polls with landslide – Matawalle

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara on Saturday assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would sweep the 2023 general election with a landslide.

    Matawalle spoke while receiving Dr Betta Edu, the APC National Women Leader in Maradun, the governor’s country home on Saturday.

    Edu was in the state for the flag off of the party’s national empowerment scheme for women.

    Matawalle promised that Zamfara would deliver 99 per cent to APC in the 2023 general poll.

    “The various factions of the party have now become one.

    “The initiative to reconcile has brought all the active politicians that matter in the state under one umbrella.

    “This is the first step to success,” Matawalle said.

    The governor commended the APC national women leader for her choice of the state for the flag off of the programme.

    He assured her that Zamfara women would not disappoint the party at the poll.

    Matawalle challenged political leaders in the state to borrow a leaf from the women leader, who despite being a non-indigene, choose to empower Zamfara women.

    Earlier, Edu said she had learned much during her visit to Zamfara, even as she was earlier discouraged from the visit by the negative impression given about the state.

    “What I saw, to the contrary, is a state with good roads, hospitable women, great ongoing and completed infrastructure development and near opposite of what is said about its security situation,” she said.

    Edu empowered no fewer than 500 women with cash ranging from N20,000 to N100,000 each.

  • Insecurity: Defend yourselves – Zamfara govt tells residents

    Insecurity: Defend yourselves – Zamfara govt tells residents

    The government of Zamfara State has asked residents to arm themselves against bandits, while also promising to facilitate securing basic weapons for the people, especially farmers, to defend themselves.

    Ibrahim Dosara, Commissioner of Information, made this known in a statement, while also revealing that the Commissioner of Police in the State has been directed to issue gun licence to those eligible to bear arms.

    According to Dosara, the State government has also set up a committee to ensure proper implementation of the measures.

    The statement reads: “Following increase in the activities of bandits in various parts of the state and the government commitment to ensure adequate security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry in the state, particularly during this rainy season, government has resolved to take further measures to deal with the recent escalating attacks, kidnapping and the criminal levies being enforced on our innocent communities.

    “This act of terrorism has been a source of worry and concern to the people and government of the state. Therefore, in order to deal decisively with the situation in our respective communities, government has no option than to take the following measures:

    “Government has henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits, as government has directed the state commissioner of police to issue license to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves. Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers to secure basic weapons for defending themselves. Government has already concluded arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.

    “People must apply from the Commissioner of Police, license to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves. A secretariat or centre will be established for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.

    “People are strictly warned and advised to make sure that any information or intelligence about an informant must be true and nothing but the truth, as all information on such informants must carry correct data on the suspects, including their pictures, correct names, address, occupation and witness to testify the genuity of the information given, as government is taking punitive measures against any one found as informant. Any person who give wrong information against anybody, will be served the same punishment with an informant and will be treated as such.

    “Government has requested the state House of Assembly to pass, as matter of urgency, the informants bill before it, to enable government take the drastic measures on informants as contained in the bill.

    “Government has ordered for the recruitment of 200 additional Community Protection Guards in each of the 19 emirates of the state, making it 500 per emirate, to increase their manpower and strengthen its force and capacity to deal with the bandits”.

  • Gov Matawalle appoints 169 aides, others

    Gov Matawalle appoints 169 aides, others

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has approved the appointment of additional 169 top government officials and aides, in a bid to promote unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    This is contained in a nine-page official document issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, on Saturday in Gusau.

    He announced that Alhaji Isha Umar had been appointed Chairman, Zamfara Independent Electoral Commission, while Alhaji Usman Magami and Alhaji Bashir Abdullahi appointed as Special Advisers.

    Others are 103 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), 28 Directors General, and 13 Special Assistants to the governor.

    The list also included 10 new Permanent Commissioners and part-time members of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Hajj Commission and Law Reform Commission, among others.

    The SSG said the appointments are with immediate effect.

    The development came barely two months after the three, hitherto, APC camps led by Matawalle, former governor, Abdulaziz Yari and former Sen. Kabiru Marafa, agreed to work together for the success of the party in the 2023 general elections.

    Sequel to the reconciliation, Yari and Marafa clinched APC ticket for Zamfara West and Central Senatorial elections, respectively.