Governor Yari Indicts Security Agencies Over Zamfara Massacre

* …We Alerted Them 24 Hours Before Killing But They Failed To
Act

Governor Abdulaziz Yari has alleged that his administration gave
security agencies 24-hour head-start to alert them on the impending
invasion of communities in Zamfara by bandits that resulted in the
death of 39 persons in Zurmi local government area of the state on
Wednesday night.

Speaking Friday evening when he led five Northern Governors on a
sympathy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Yari said
security agencies in the area have failed to tackle the problem of
cross-border banditry and terrorism bedevilling communities in the
area.

“Whatever humanly possible that needed to be done, we as a
government have done to mitigate this disaster. But it does appear
that security agencies are failing in their responsibilities.

“I feel let down facing the people of this state whenever I
remember the promise I made to them that when they elect President
Muhammadu Buhari into power, these killings will end. But
unfortunately, things are now getting worse.

“As such, I urge you security agencies to up the ante so as not
to lose this war. If you let us take issues on our hands, anarchy
will reign which is not what we hope us.

“On this particular incidence, we had intelligence reports 24
hours before it happened that the bandits were grouping and ready
to attack. I alerted the security agencies but unfortunately they
sent inadequate personnel to confront these people from where they
came from,” he said.

In his remarks, the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said
echoed what Yari said, adding that if not for the bravery of
vigilante groups who confronted the bandits, the casualty figures
would have been higher.

Giving insight into what really happened, the Emir alleged that
600 bandits made attempt to invade Zurmi but were repelled by
vigilantes.

“They came on 200 motorcycles with three persons on each bike.
Each of them was well-armed. We stationed 500 vigilante members who
stood their ground and gallantly fought the bandits. Unfortunately,
these same bandits turned their anger on travellers and other
villagers on their way here, that was why we had 39 people
killed.

“Thes terrorists are known to us. Their major hide-out is in a
village called Kagara, very close to Bafarawa in Sokoto State, and
a few kilometres from Shinkafi in Zamfara State. But despite
several appeals to security agencies to storm the area, our appeals
have failed.

“I need to state here that majority of weapons used by bad
people in this country are brought in from this area. I had reason
to personally inform Zamfara State Director of SSS sometimes back
of a large cache of weapons being brought into the country but no
concrete action was taken until the containers were moved away.

“I am happy that other Northern Governors are here because we
believe the solution to this problem lies in cooperation among all
of you.

“I don’t need to repeat here that we need a full battalion of
soldiers here and in areas surrounding Maru, Maradun, Shinkafi and
Zurmi LGAs,” the visibly angry Emir said.

He added that the people have been pushed to the limit and a
negative reaction from them will have a devastating consequence on
the continued peaceful coexistence of all communities in the
area.

In his remarks, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno appealed to
the people not to lose patience. He sympathized with the victims
and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

In addition to Shettima and Yari, other Governors on the
entourage were Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Abubakar Atiku
Bagudu of Kebbi and Umar Tanko Al-Makura of Nassarawa States.,

* …We Alerted Them 24 Hours Before Killing But They Failed To
Act

Governor Abdulaziz Yari has alleged that his administration gave
security agencies 24-hour head-start to alert them on the impending
invasion of communities in Zamfara by bandits that resulted in the
death of 39 persons in Zurmi local government area of the state on
Wednesday night.

Speaking Friday evening when he led five Northern Governors on a
sympathy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Yari said
security agencies in the area have failed to tackle the problem of
cross-border banditry and terrorism bedevilling communities in the
area.

“Whatever humanly possible that needed to be done, we as a
government have done to mitigate this disaster. But it does appear
that security agencies are failing in their responsibilities.

“I feel let down facing the people of this state whenever I
remember the promise I made to them that when they elect President
Muhammadu Buhari into power, these killings will end. But
unfortunately, things are now getting worse.

“As such, I urge you security agencies to up the ante so as not
to lose this war. If you let us take issues on our hands, anarchy
will reign which is not what we hope us.

“On this particular incidence, we had intelligence reports 24
hours before it happened that the bandits were grouping and ready
to attack. I alerted the security agencies but unfortunately they
sent inadequate personnel to confront these people from where they
came from,” he said.

In his remarks, the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said
echoed what Yari said, adding that if not for the bravery of
vigilante groups who confronted the bandits, the casualty figures
would have been higher.

Giving insight into what really happened, the Emir alleged that
600 bandits made attempt to invade Zurmi but were repelled by
vigilantes.

“They came on 200 motorcycles with three persons on each bike.
Each of them was well-armed. We stationed 500 vigilante members who
stood their ground and gallantly fought the bandits. Unfortunately,
these same bandits turned their anger on travellers and other
villagers on their way here, that was why we had 39 people
killed.

“Thes terrorists are known to us. Their major hide-out is in a
village called Kagara, very close to Bafarawa in Sokoto State, and
a few kilometres from Shinkafi in Zamfara State. But despite
several appeals to security agencies to storm the area, our appeals
have failed.

“I need to state here that majority of weapons used by bad
people in this country are brought in from this area. I had reason
to personally inform Zamfara State Director of SSS sometimes back
of a large cache of weapons being brought into the country but no
concrete action was taken until the containers were moved away.

“I am happy that other Northern Governors are here because we
believe the solution to this problem lies in cooperation among all
of you.

“I don’t need to repeat here that we need a full battalion of
soldiers here and in areas surrounding Maru, Maradun, Shinkafi and
Zurmi LGAs,” the visibly angry Emir said.

He added that the people have been pushed to the limit and a
negative reaction from them will have a devastating consequence on
the continued peaceful coexistence of all communities in the
area.

In his remarks, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno appealed to
the people not to lose patience. He sympathized with the victims
and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

In addition to Shettima and Yari, other Governors on the
entourage were Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Abubakar Atiku
Bagudu of Kebbi and Umar Tanko Al-Makura of Nassarawa States.,