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Tag: Banditry

  • Matawalle seeks prayers over banditry in Zamfara

    Matawalle seeks prayers over banditry in Zamfara

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has appealed to the people of the state to intensify prayers for God’s intervention to end banditry in the state.

    Matawalle made the call during a special prayer session organised by the Ulamau Consultative Committee (UCC) which was held all over the state.

    The governor who attended the prayer at the Gusau Central Mosque, said it has become imperative for the citizens to complement the government and security operatives’ efforts in tackling the menace in the state. “Prayer is the only powerful weapon that can solve any calamity on the people. We must seek for Allah’s forgiveness.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special prayer session was observed in all the Juma’at mosques in the state.

  • Banditry: Clerics want Nigerians to repent, seek divine intervention

    Banditry: Clerics want Nigerians to repent, seek divine intervention

     The Council of Ulamas in Kebbi State and the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have advised Nigerians to repent and seek God’s intervention to bring an end to banditry and other security challenges facing the nation.They made this known when the Islamic and Christian leaders paid a sympathy visit on Gov. Atiku Bagudu at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.Our correspondent reports that the governor met separately with the Council of Ulamas and the CAN leadership in the state.Our correspondent recalls that some staff and unspecified number of students were abducted by suspected bandits from the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, about two weeks ago, out of which security agencies have rescued 11 students.In their separate remarks, the Kebbi State Chairman of Council of Ulamas, Sheikh AbdulRahman Isah-Jega, and the State Chairman of CAN, Dr Ayuba Kanta, stressed the need for people to always seek God’s intervention to restore peace in Kebbi and the country at large.They assured the governor of their support and continuous prayers over the unfortunate abduction of the students.The Clerics acknowledged the untiring efforts of the governor on the ongoing rescue operation and commended the security personnel for their hard work and diligence.“‘See it as ordained by God, see it as a test from God, we shall all support you together with our prayers to overcome these security challenges until our enemies are no more.“We know what you are doing, We are with you and will pray day and night for the success of the rescue mission,” the duo added.The religious leaders described Gov. Bagudu as an “‘Ambassador of Peace”, owing to his numerous peace missions across the country.All the religious leaders held special prayers for God’s intervention on the security challenges facing the state and the country at large.The CAN State Chairman also thanked the governor for his developmental strides in the state, especially in Badariya and  Birnin Kebbi, which had witnessed the construction of new roads with enlarged drainage.Responding, Gov. Bagudu expressed appreciation for  the visit, saying that the incident has brought the people of Kebbi together in this trying period. He said:: “This unfortunate incident has united us against the bandits who want to test our collective will.“We shall work together against the bandits as evident from the tremendous show of support from different angles.”Bagudu, while intimating them on the ongoing rescue operation, informed them that some level of success has been recorded in the operation, with the rescue of some staff and abducted school children.“All hands must be on the deck to complement the efforts of the security agencies in dealing with the situation,” he urged.He thanked them for the show of  solidarity and asked them to continue to fervently pray for the release of the school children and an end to banditry not only in Kebbi state, but in Nigeria as a whole.

  • Zamfara suspends a third traditional ruler over banditry allegations

    Zamfara suspends a third traditional ruler over banditry allegations

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has approved the suspension of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, over his alleged involvement in banditry.

    The suspension came on the heels of Thursday’s attack on Kadawa village in the emirate in which more than 90 persons were allegedly killed by bandits.

    Head of Service and Acting Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, stated in Gusau on Saturday that the governor also set up a committee to investigate the allegations.

    The committee has Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, a former deputy governor in the state as Chairman.

    Members of the committee are Alhaji Mukhtar Anka, also a former deputy governor in the state, Alhaji Faruku Dosara, Leader of the State House of Assembly, retired DIG Mamman Tsafe and Alhaji Yusuf Zugu.

    Representatives of the Police, the DSS and the NSCDC are also members, while Alhaji Musa Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Security and Home Affairs, will serve as Secretary.

    The committee has three weeks to submit its report.

    Our correspondent reports that the suspension of the Emir of Zurmi, brings the number of traditional rulers suspended in Zamfara over their alleged involvement in banditry to three,

    The Emir of Dansadau, Alhaji Hussaini Umar and the District Head of Nasarawa Mailayi, Alhaji Bello Kiyawa, had earlier been suspended over the same issue.

    Alhaji Balarabe also stated that Gov. Matawalle on Friday urged communities in the state to rise and defend themselves against all forms of attacks. 

  • 66 Killed In Bandits Massacre On 8 Villages in Kebbi

    66 Killed In Bandits Massacre On 8 Villages in Kebbi

    Police in Kebbi State said 66 people were killed by bandits in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

    The spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Nafiu Abubakar, said the massacre took place on Thursday in eight villages of the council.

    According to him, though the police were still counting the number of the dead, but the state police command had already dispatched a detachment of the officers and men of the police force to the area.

    He said, “The killing took place in Koro, kimpi, Gaya, Dimi, Zutu, Rafin Gora and Iguenge villages, all in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.”

    Reports had it that majority of the people of the affected villages have escaped to the nearby town of Riba for safety.

    In April, bandits killed nine policemen among whom was the Police DPO of Danko/Wasagu.

  • Matawalle receives UK delegation on Security, appeals for more support to end Banditry

    Matawalle receives UK delegation on Security, appeals for more support to end Banditry

    Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, said the security challenges he inherited from the previous government has posed a great deficit in achieving the desired goals of his administration and has virtually affected all aspects of life.

    He said the action taken by his administration has brought about relative peace enjoyed in Zamfara and neighbouring states

    The Governor said, to bring sanity and prevent escalation of lawlessness in the state, his administration approved an immediate declaration of proclamation on the entire State, which emanated from the ‘shoot on sight” order by President Muhammadu Buhari on anybody person or group in possession of firearms unlawfully.

    Governor Matawalle disclose this when he received a delegation from the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria led by the Head of Governance, conflict and Social Development Sam Weldock

    The British team were in Zamfara as part of their visit to Nigeria’s North west states affected by Banditry and other related crimes to ascertain the root causes of the crisis and provide possible solution to the problem.

    Gov Matawalle commended the UK Government for its support on security and general well being of Zamfara State and Nigeria in general, noting there is no country in a better position to support the state than the UK considering its position in the area of security.

    He also urged British Government to continue to sustain its cooperation with Nigeria’s Government and other states in the fight against insurgency, Banditry, Kidnapping and other security threats

    The Governor who briefed the delegation on the security challenges bedeviling the state and his Administration’s commitment to restore the lost glory of Zamfara as the most peaceful State, said his model of dealing with security challenges includes a combination of negotiation with bandits and the use of kinetic power.

    He further thanked the UK Government for all it has been doing in terms of support and cooperation to the State and Nigeria as a whole.

    Earlier, the leader of the UK High commission delegation Sam Weldock said aim of the visit is to extend more support to Zamfara State and other North-Western States on Security issues in the region in order to restore lasting peace and tranquility.

    He noted that, the UK Government is worried about the rising security challenges facing Zamfara state and will give it all the needed support it to ensure it overcome the problem.

    The team led by Sam Waldock has Sophie Stevens, Conflict Adviser, and Alice Gore in the entourage .

    The meeting has in attendance the Zamfara State Head of Service Kabiru Balarabe, the overseer, Ministry for Security and Home Affairs DIG Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe (RTD) Permanent Secretary ministries of Finance Kabiru Muhammed Gayari, Budget and Economic planning, Garba Ahmed Dauran, Abubakar Muhammed Barmo and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Lawal Umar Maradun among others.

  • Police arrest 84 suspects for Kidnapping, Banditry, others

    Police arrest 84 suspects for Kidnapping, Banditry, others

    The Police has said that no fewer than eighty-four suspects have been arrested for illegal manufacturing and distribution of vehicle number plates, banditry, robbery, kidnapping, and homicide-related cases.

    Mr Frank Mba, the Force Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in Abuja at a news briefing on Wednesday.

    Mba said some of the suspects were arrested for alleged gun running, illicit possession of weapons, unlawful possession of firearms and other offences.

    He said the suspects, including three females, were arrested in different parts of the country in April and May.

    Mba said the arrests were major achievements recorded by the police key operational and investigative units, the Intelligence Response Team and the Special Tactical Squad.

    According to him, the achievements had nothing to do with other landmarks, investigative and operational breakthroughs at the various zones and state commands across the country.

    Mba said that 45 assorted firearms, consisting of one GPMG rifle, 17 AK-47 rifles, 20 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pump actions and three single barrel guns were recovered from the suspects.

    He noted that other exhibits recovered from the suspects were 9,899 live ammunition, consisting largely of AK-47 and GPMG live ammunition.

    Mba said kidnap syndicates operating between the borders of Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger were among the suspects.

    He said the suspects had carried out several operations on both sides of the border.

    Mba said that the check revealed that the leader was also a convict from the Republic of Niger.

    He said that two suspects, including a student of the University of Jos, were arrested over culpable homicide.

    Mba said that three suspects were arrested for manufacturing and distributing illegal vehicle number plates.

    He said all the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

  • Banditry: Zamfara Youths Block Highway, Destroy Vehicles In Violent Protest

    Banditry: Zamfara Youths Block Highway, Destroy Vehicles In Violent Protest

    Angry youths armed with weapons have staged a violent protest along the Gusau – Kaura Namoda Highway in Zamfara State.

    Eyewitnesses confirmed that the protesters occupied the road very early on Monday over the incessant attacks by bandits in their communities.

    One of the commuters who was trapped along the road explained that the youths blocked the highway along Kurya junction and began to destroy public vehicles travelling along the road.

    They condemned the unending insecurity and attacks which the people of the area have suffered at the hands of the bandits.

    While the demonstration was ongoing, police operatives were said to have dispersed the protesters to ensure the free flow of vehicular movement on the road.

    Residents of Zamfara have been living in fear as a result of the continued attacks by bandits on communities in various parts of the state.

    One of the recent attacks was the killing of over 20 people when bandits stormed five communities in two local government areas of the state about two weeks ago.

    The affected communities – Gabaken, Rigiya, Donroyi, Torawa, and Riwoji are located in Zurmi and Kaura Namoda local government areas of the state.

    Addressing a press conference on April 2, the Commissioner of Information in Zamfara, Ibrahim Dosara, revealed that no fewer than 2,619 people were killed in the state between 2011 and 2019.

    He added that bandits abducted 1,190 people from various parts of Zamfara in the last eight years, and over 100,000 people were displaced from their ancestral homes as a result of bandits’ activities, while 14,378 livestock were rustled within the period.

    Dosara noted that the Zamfara State government has spent the sum of N970 million on payment of ransom to bandits to secure the release of kidnapped victims since 2011.

    He lamented that there were more than 100 different camps and over 30,000 bandits operating across Zamfara and beyond, but the state government’s would continue with its amnesty programme for bandits as part of measures to secure its people.

  • Senator Suswam Cautions Nigerian Youths Against Banditry, Gangsterism

    Senator Suswam Cautions Nigerian Youths Against Banditry, Gangsterism

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    The immediate past Governor of Benue State and Senator representing Benue North East, Sen. Gabriel Suswam has admonished the Nigerian youths to shun acts that are inimical to the growth of the nation.

    Sen. Suswam who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Power specifically cautioned the youths against acts that could jeopardize their future such as banditry, cultism and Gangsterism among other social vices.

    The Lawmaker made the call at a wedding reception in honor of the Chairman, Ukum Local Government Council, Mr Steve Ayua and his wife, Mimi at the IBB Square, Makurdi.

    Sen. Suswam who counseled the Nigerian youths to engage themselves in useful ventures, also Implored them to concentrate on things that could help them secure a formidable future.

    The Legislator urged the couple to respect each other for a better marriage life. He stressed that marriage is a Devine institution, noting that God who has ordained it would be happy with those who respect it in order to bless them.

    The Senator enjoined Mr Ayua and his wife to avoid third party in their marriage, urging them to tolerate each other so that they can live happily.

  • Banditry: Gov Matawalle calls for well coordinated security network against criminals

    Banditry: Gov Matawalle calls for well coordinated security network against criminals

    Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has advocated collective efforts among all critical stakeholders in the State to work together in the fight against banditry and other heinous crimes in the State.

    The Governor made the call when he received the former Minister of Defence, General Muhammed Mansur Dan Ali (rtd) who paid him Sallah homage at the Government House, Gusau.

    Governor Matawalle who expressed appreciation with the visit of the former Defence minister said, “as the leader and Governor of the state, I would do all that I can to ensure that peace and tranquility are fully achieved in all parts of the state” he added.

    He assured the efforts of working round the clock and with the support of the state and federal Governments as well as stakeholders in the area of security, peaceful coexistence will come to stay in the state.

    The Governor assured that the peace initiative embarked upon by his administration will continue to be maintained through stick and carrot approach irrespective of criticisms from the enemies of peace.

    He commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders as well as all critical stakeholders in the fight against banditry and called on all and sundry to intensify prayers for an end to the menace.

    Earlier, the former Minister of Defence, General Muhammad Mansur Dan Ali (rtd) said he was at the Government House to felicitate with the Governor, Government and people of Zamfara State on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and Eid-el Fitr celebrations respectively.

    General Mansur Dan Ali commended Governor Bello Matawalle for taking giant steps to restore peace and security in the state within the shortest possible time.

    The former minister emphasised that the people of Zamfara State and even beyond are aware of Governor Bello Matawalle’s untiring efforts to ensure the return of peace in the state, and encouraged him to continue with his administration’s peace initiative.

    He, however, enjoined people of Zamfara State to rally round the administration of Governor Bello Matawalle and pray for peace and tranquility in the State.

    Later, the Governor conducted the former Defence Minister round the new presidential lodge, and 18 new Guest Houses within the Government House constructed by Bello Matawalle administration and other infrastructures in the state, where the former minister expressed confidence and the ability of the Governor in transforming the state into an enviable position.

  • Buhari Asks Religious Leaders To Support Fight Against Banditry, COVID-19

    Buhari Asks Religious Leaders To Support Fight Against Banditry, COVID-19

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday called on religious leaders of all faiths and backgrounds to unite in support of the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

    According to a statement signed by spokesman Garba Shehu, the President made the call while speaking with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar lll who called to felicitate with the President on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the observance of the Eid.

    The President called for continuous dialogue between the leaders of the two major faiths for peace and stability to reign in the country.

    President Buhari commended the Sultan for his effective leadership of the Muslim Ummah and credited him with the unity of the community sustained under his watch.

    The Sultan pledged his commitment to the continued existence of the country as one and assured the President of the support of the Sultanate in the ongoing efforts to tackle the challenges facing the nation.