Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State on Wednesday met with
officials of the Fulani umbrella body, the Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders Association in his push to end banditry and kidnappings in
the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Fulanis are largely
blamed for bandit attacks in the state and have been declared
persona non grata in some communities.
Matawalle said that the meeting was at the instance of President
Muhammad Buhari who directed that all stakeholders be engaged in
the search for an end to the criminality.
“You know, I met with President Muhammad Buhari recently over
security challenges facing the state.
“Part of the promise I made to Mr President was to meet and
discuss with stakeholders on how to end banditry activities in the
state, so I’m complying with Mr President directives over his
concern for the people.
“The security challenges in Zamfara was my concern even before I
became a governor. I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to
lead this state.
“It is very unfortunate; Fulanis were known to be a peace-loving
(people). People had good relationships with the Fulanis, and any
law-abiding Fulani today is not happy with what is happening in
Zamfara and other parts of the country.
“Some bad elements among us are fond of smearing the image of
the Fulanis. As I heard in some towns in this state, Fulanis cannot
come out, so we want to stop that, we want to carry everyone
along.
“As I said during my inauguration, I will not allow
extrajudicial killings in this state. I promise to do justice to
everyone and ensure the maintenance of law and order.
“We are presenting a bill on death penalty to the state House of
Assembly against bandits and their informants (sic).
“I have the plan to import grass seeds from China to be given to
Fulanis to enhance feeds for their animals.
“I have various plans to address security challenges in this
state through various economic and social services.
“We are going to provide infrastructures to Fulani herders in
the state such as hospitals, schools and roads among others”, the
governor said.
He, therefore, urged MACABAN to work with the government in
seeing to the fruition of the government programmes and in engaging
the bandits to repent.
The MACBAN National President, Muhammad Kiruwa, appealed to the
state government to involve its members in the Civilian Joint Task
Force and Vigilante groups in the state.
(NAN)
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