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Category: Zamfara Update

  • Zamfara Bombing: Gov Lawal Commends NAF

    Zamfara Bombing: Gov Lawal Commends NAF

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has praised the Nigerian Air Force for their renewed efforts in combating bandits in the state.

    The governor gave the commendation in a statement in Gusau on Sunday by Sulaiman Idris, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

    Lawal revealed that the Nigerian Air Force had carried out successful airstrikes over the weekend.

    The strikes targeted bandits who were attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state.

    Lawal, however, expressed his deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties who were affected by the airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA.

    READ ALSO: El Rufai Visits Buhari

    The unfortunately incident included members of the local vigilante group who were mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA.

    The governor commended the precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.

    The governor said the strikes had significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits.

    He said they had also demonstrated the Nigeria Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilians and safeguarding life and property.

    “As a responsible government, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities.

    “The recent success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies, which have yielded positive results,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Federal Agents Sack Sanusi’s Guards

    Lawal reaffirmed commitment to providing necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.

    According to him, this includes enhancing intelligence sharing, providing logistics, and strengthening community engagement.

    He noted that, unfortunately, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives.

    “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah.

    NAF Jets Bombing Terrorist Camps in Zamfara

    “The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families,” he said.

     The governor called on the people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel.

    Wreckage from bombing

    “Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara,” he said.

  • Insecurity in Zamfara: Residents Flee As Gunmen Impose N172.7 Levy

    Insecurity in Zamfara: Residents Flee As Gunmen Impose N172.7 Levy

    Armed groups in Zamfara state have reportedly imposed monetary and in-kind levies on 25 villages in Tsafe West, causing widespread displacement. 

    The demands total approximately N172.7 million, with additional contributions of soybeans demanded from some communities. 

    READ ALSO: NAF Acquires 63 New Aircrafts in Three Years

    Villages unable to meet the requirements face violent retaliation, prompting hundreds to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

    The affected villages include Gijinzama, Dakolo, and Kauyen Kane, with levies ranging from N2.5 million to N20 million.

     This situation has disrupted farming and other activities, leaving communities in dire need of security reinforcements and relief aid.

     Despite improvements in some areas, rural communities in Tsafe West remain highly vulnerable.

  • Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

    Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

    The Nigeria Police have identified the Lakurawa terrorist group as the perpetrators behind recent explosions in Zamfara State.

     According to the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dalijan, the local bandits operating in the state lack the skills to create or use explosive devices.  

    On Wednesday, a deadly blast along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in Maru Local Government Area claimed the life of a motorist and left three others injured. 

    The Police Commissioner revealed that the incident occurred when the terrorists, dislodged from Sokoto and Kebbi by military forces, were moving towards Birnin-Gwari forest. 

    PLEASE READ: Nigeria’s Poverty Rate Will Surpass W/Bank 104million Estimate Soon – Economists

    In their retreat, they planted a bomb under a bridge, which detonated as the vehicle passed.  

    Dalijan stated that this marked a new challenge for the region, as bomb attacks were previously unheard of in Zamfara.

     He confirmed that reports of the Lakurawa group’s movements near the area tied them directly to the incident.

  • House Of Reps Member Defects From PDP To APC

    House Of Reps Member Defects From PDP To APC

    The member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives, Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, has decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gummi dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC with immediate effect.

    The defection was announced on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas while reading a letter from the lawmaker during plenary on Wednesday.

    Gumi in his letter, said his defection is a result of the lingering and unresolved internal crisis within the PDP.

    “It is noteworthy to state here that the PDP has two chairmen in my constituency, Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency.

    One was unconstitutionally removed while the other decamped with me, hence the party lacks structure in my constituency, and this has made it difficult for me to provide good representation and prompt delivery of dividends of democracy to my constituents,” the letter read.

    After reading the letter, Speaker Abbas asked Gummi to stand up for recognition as he welcomed him to the APC.

  • Zamfara Speaker’s Residence Suffers Fire Damage

    Zamfara Speaker’s Residence Suffers Fire Damage

    A fire broke out at the residence of Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, located in Gusau, the state capital, over the weekend. 

    The blaze caused extensive damage to the property, with losses estimated in millions of Naira, although there were no reported injuries.

    The Clerk of the House, Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu, shared his dismay regarding the incident, referring to it as a tragic event.

     He conveyed his condolences to the Speaker, his family, and the people of Zurmi West, indicating that the fire was part of a divine plan. 

    In the aftermath of the incident, numerous political leaders and supporters have visited the Speaker to express their sympathies. 

    The Speaker has expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and appreciated the efforts of those who assisted in controlling the fire.

  • Alleged Banditry: Zamfara rights activist drags AGF, IGP to court

    …seeks probe of ex- Gov Matawalle

    A Zamfara State based human rights activist, Abubakar Dahiru, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, seeking the investigation of a former Governor of the State and current Minister of State (Defence), Bello Matawalle, in relation to allegations of kidnappings, Banditry etc.

    Defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, filed on behalf of the plaintiff by Ojonimi Apeh Esq. are, the President, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police.

    Specifically, Ojonimi Apeh, in the suit filed and dated September 27, 2024, wants the court to declare that “it is imperative for the 1st Defendant herein to give directions to the 3rd Defendant to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State.

    Ojonimi Apeh also prayed on behalf of his client for “An order of Court mandating the 1st Defendant herein to direct the 3rd Defendant herein to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State, and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State, Defence Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State.

    “A declaration that by the provisions of Section 215(3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and other relevant laws, the 1st Defendant herein either by himself or through such other Minister of the government of the Federation as he may authorize can give directions to the 3rd Defendant herein with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order in any part of the Federation” Apeh submitted.

    In a 22-paragraph statement of claim, the plaintiff avered that there is presently high wave of armed banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State just like other parts of North Western Nigeria, adding that the activities of these hoodlums, “which started like a mustard seed in Zamfara State grew to an alarming and unprecedented proportion during the period between 2019 and 2023 when Hon. Bello Matawalle was the Governor of Zamfara State”.

    “The Plaintiff avers that armed banditry and kidnapping have rendered thousands of the people of Zamfara orphans, widows, widowers, homeless, hungry, etc due to the activities of criminals who maim people, extort their monies, kill their loved ones and subject them to all manner of physical and emotional torture.

    “The Plaintiff avers that he recently listened to the interview of Governor Dauda Lawal on TVC Television on 18th September 2024, wherein he publicly accused Hon. Bello Matawalle of involvement with kidnappers and bandits in Zamfara State.

    “The Plaintiff avers that he has also read an online publication by Umoru Faruk Salifu in the 21st Century Chronicles online Newspaper of 22nd September 2024, where he accused Hon. Bello Matawalle of sponsoring bandits, buying vehicles for bandits, sabotaging efforts of law enforcement agents to curb banditry and kidnapping in North Western Nigeria, granting amnesty to terrorists, etc.

    “The Plaintiff avers that he also read an article by Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wherein he chronicled series of allegations of Hon. Bello Matawalle’s involvement with banditry and kidnappings in Zamfara State.

    Among other claims, “The Plaintiff avers that despite the open allegations as to the involvement of Hon. Bello Matawalle with banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State, no efforts have been made by government to investigate him with a view to coming out with the truth or falsity of these allegations while the spate of banditry and kidnapping continue to reign in Zamfara State to the detriment of citizens” Ojonimi Apeh’s client stated.

    Meanwhile, the matter is yet to be assigned to a Judge.

  • #EndBadGovernance: Please Protect Our Lives And Properties – APC Begs Security Operatives

    APC Begs Security Operatives As Protesters Target Matawalle’s Residence

    The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the attempt by some protesters to attack the residence of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in Gusau, Zamfara State.
    The party shared its concerns on Thursday via a statement by its Zamfara Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris.
    Idris said the party was disturbed by the nationwide supposed peaceful protests in the state.
    He claimed that many thugs were deployed to attack the personalities and properties of the APC members.
    Idris subsequently urged the security operatives to protect their lives and properties.
    “We observed that many thugs were strategically deployed to attack and destroy personalities and properties of the APC members.
    “It is very unfortunate that on the first day of the protests, the protesters attempted to attack the former Governor BelloMatawalle’s personal residence,” he claimed.
    Idris recalled that Matawalle’s residence was burgled in 2023 by some thugs, adding that security operatives should not allow such an ugly act to recur.
    “Luckily, the quick intervention of the security personnel who blocked the protesters from destroying the minister’s house saved the situation
    “We commend the security agencies in the state for being proactive.
    “Those political thugs, most likely implementing the directives of their leaders, would have razed down the minister’s house and property,” he explained.
    Idris claimed that the thugs also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Yau at his hometown of Kaura Namoda, where they destroyed many valuables and damaged his Toyota Hilux van in the name of peaceful protests.
    “We have earlier forecast the possible hijacking of the protests by the hoodlums and other miscreants in the state, which they actualised.
    “We wish to implore security agencies in the state to give our members and all well-meaning citizens the desired protection of lives and property.
    “We are calling on youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad politicians, especially as the nationwide protest is supposed to be peaceful and address concerns in the country.
    “The protest, which is a constitutional right of Nigerians, should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property,” the APC scribe added.
  • Kidnapped  Zamfara Catholic priest in Zamfara released after two weeks

    Kidnapped  Zamfara Catholic priest in Zamfara released after two weeks

    The Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, Mikah Suleiman has regained his freedom from bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago.

    Suleiman’s release was announced in a statement on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Pascal Salifu.

    The statement read, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on 22/06/2024.

    ‘We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time.

    “Our thanks also go to the authorities and all involved in securing Fr Mikah’s release. He is currently receiving the necessary care and support.”

    Salifu urged people to “continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.”

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar confirmed the priest’s abduction on Saturday, saying, “Yes, the incident happened early hour of today, the Reverend Father was kidnapped in his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened but what I gathered was that the man stays alone not in the church.

    “We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt.”

    More so, the acting Chancellor of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Nuhu Iliya had urged the Christian faithful to pray for the “quick and safe release” of the priest.

    “We equally commend him to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” Iliya said.

  • Zamfara APC Chairman Sacked

    Zamfara APC Chairman Sacked

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Zamfara State, Tukur Danfulani, has been sacked by the ward executive of the party in Galadima, Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

    The ward executive led by its deputy chairman, Garba Bello, and fifteen others on Saturday sacked the state chairman for alleged lack of good leadership, and discrimination against party members who violate the laws of the APC.

    He was also accused of diverting the activities of the party to some people who were not the leaders of the APC in Zamfara State.

    Speaking with the journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the Assistant Youth Leader of Galadima ward, Abuhuraira Ilyasu, said 16 out of 27 executive members of the ward signed for the dismissal of the state chairman

    “On behalf of the leaders of APC Galadima ward in Gusau local government, we are here today 11th May 2024 to impeach the leadership of APC Chairman in Zamfara State, Honourable Tukur Danfulani due to the bad leadership,” Ilyasu said.

    “We have the list of all executive members that have signed for the impeachment of the Chairman, we have sixteen members out of 27 excos in Galadima ward.”

    He called on the party’s national headquarters to take note of their decisions and appoint a caretaker chairman for the party in Zamfara who will lead the APC in the North-West state

  • Three killed, dozens kidnapped as bandits invade Zamfara Emir’s palace

    Three killed, dozens kidnapped as bandits invade Zamfara Emir’s palace

    Armed bandits raided the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Bunu, resulting in three fatalities and the abduction of several residents.

    The attack, occurred around 10 pm on Wednesday, also targeted the the residence of former Military Administrator Colonel Bala Muhammad Mande (rtd). 

    According to witnesses, the bandits attempted to gain entry into the palace by firing at the entrance gate. Fortunately, the gate was locked, preventing their access. However, they proceeded to vandalize nearby structures, including a GSM mast, and set fire to two generators.

    Sources revealed that the emir had been the primary target of the attack, as he had narrowly escaped a previous abduction attempt. Following the incident, he was quietly relocated to the state capital for safety.

    In their failed attempt to breach the palace, the bandits turned their attention to the former military administrator’s residence, firing shots that damaged the property. During their retreat from the town, they inflicted casualties, killing three individuals and abducting several others.

    A resident of the town who pleaded anonymity told Daily Trust: “We don’t know the number of people abducted because when the bandits started the shooting, residents ran into the bush for safety.

    “No one dared stay back when the bandits were firing shots. The magnitude of the gunshots was scary. Hence, we all ran into the bush for our dear lives.

    “We are calling on the government to provide enough soldiers to the town because the bandits may return again since they know the emir is in town.

    “All they want is to abduct the emir, and we don’t know why they want to kidnap him.”

    While the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara confirmed the attack and the abduction of one palace staff member, there are reports of additional abductions, including the Sarkin Gida of Zurmi Emirate and a local tea seller.