Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara says the state government has reviewed its strategies with the military in the fight against armed bandits in the state.
The governor stated this in a state-wide broadcast on Monday night, urging citizens in the state not panic over the resurgence of banditry in the midst of Coronavirus pandemic.
Matawalle, who noted that the new attackers were alleged to be coming into Zamfara from Niger, Kaduna and Kebbi states, maintained that the state government’s doors of reconciliation would remain open for those ready to repent.
“We as government will not allow criminals to give us sleepless nights while under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic, so those who are refusing to surrender from their criminal ways should be ready for the consequences of their actions.
“The military are carrying out a commendable job and we will continue to encourage them in this regard.
“I wish to condole those who lost their loved ones in these recent attacks and to assure those whose relations are in bandits’ captivity that we will soon get them back,” he said.
On the coronavirus pandemic, governor Matawalle announced that while the state government had closed all types and levels of schools in the state, it had also provided COVID – 19 testing kits at motor parks and sanitisers at strategic places throughout the 14 local government areas of the state.
“We know that as the fasting month of Ramadan approaches, many people are likely to marry and I wish to call on our people to avoid crowded places in order to prevent contact with the disease carriers and its spread.
He said, all measures taken will remain in place until the situation improved.
