By Ahmad Ibrahim, Gusau
Governor Bello Muhammad (Matawallen Maradun) of Zamfara state has said that Negotiating With Bandits is the best option to lasting peace just as he has no regrets exerting efforts of his administration on that path.
Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle made this assertion in the wake of oppinions being expressed as to the efficacy of the method in solving the lingering peace challenges in the north- west.
We apply the peace accord as a means of honest solution to the problem in Zamfara state which has yielnded tremendous result never expected in the last one year; Matawalle observed.
He said that amidst heavy presence of the military relentless offensives against the bandits at the wake of his administration, the wanton killings and maiming by bandits was still increasing in a fearful proportion.
How ever, our honesty and focus in the deal Saw the near total drop in baditry attacks which allowed our roads, markets, schools and farms to be re-opened. In the same vein, nearly 1000 persons were willingly released by the ex-bandits and thousand of dangerous weapons willingly surrendered with out payment of a single Kobo; Matawalle said.
He said the peace accord initiated by his administration has achieved in his first three months more than what its absence has achieved in eight years.
