Zamfara: Why we negotiate with bandits – Gov

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has given a reason why his administration is negotiating with bandits, declaring that the option remains the only solution to the insecurity in the North-West region.

The governor explained that at least there are almost 30,000 bandits in 100 camps in the state and five other neighbouring states.

The neighbouring states are Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger and Katsina, according to the governor.

He said between 2011 and 2019, bandits had wasted 2,619 people, kidnapped 1,190 others and collected over N970 million ransom from victims’ families during the periods under review.

The governor stated these through the state Commissioner of Information, Mr. Ibrahim Dosara in Kaduna on Friday.

Matawalle said his administration chose the path of peace with the bandits to stop the wanton waste of innocent citizens’ lives and property.

He said, “Before the coming of the present administration of His Excellency Dr Bello Mohammed Matawallen Maradun on May 29th 2019 as the Executive Governor of Zamfara state, Zamfara people were in a devastating state of dilemma and fear of the unknown due to rural banditry. Rampant killings, maiming, kidnapping, raping, vandalism and attacks became the order of the day. Punch