*As Tambuwal seeks closer relationship with security agencies
Zamfara State Executive Governor Hon Dr. Bello Mohammed MON (Matawallen Maradun) has informed his colleagues from the North-west and the federal government that the state is now consolidating on the gains of the peace process he initiated soon after he became the state governor about five months ago.
This is contained in a statement by Director General of Press Affairs, Office of the Executive Governor in the state, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau, sent to The DEFENDER.
Governor. Matawalle made the assertion today at the Conference Hall of Katsina local government area of Katsina state in his speech at a Town Hall Meeting on Security organized by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
He said, Zamfara state which has been the worst hit by banditry activities in modern history in the North-western part of the country is now enjoying relative peace following the peace and reconciliation initiative he set up to dialogue with the bandits most of whom have now repented from their bad ways and are undergoing rehabilitation from various programmes also set up by the state government.
He remarked that although there still remained pockets of challenges regarding security, his administration is currently working tirelessly to consolidate the atmosphere of peace which has been regained within the period under review.
He recounted that the state government in partnership with stakeholders has now attained high level of understanding as Fulani and Hausas now fully intermingle freely like before
He stated that the state government in conjunction with the state branch of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and the Yansakai group reorganized the traditional Fulani Sharo and Hausa Dambe, both fiestas that showcase heroism but were abandoned for decades.
Matawalle also happily told the participants that the state’s peace process led to the release of over 500 kidnap victims including foreigners notable among whom was a Korean doctor, Jang Sun Il who was held in captivity for seven months before his release through the peace process.
He said apart from renouncing their criminal ways, the bandits also surrendered over 400 assorted fire arms at a time when almost all displaced persons have returned home and investors have started trooping into the state including the establishment of a World Class University by Sudan.
He said the construction of a Ruga settlement fit with state of the earth facilities will ensure the stationing of the Fulani herders in one place and that this has already started in Maradun located government area to boost the economy of the state among others while the joint security meetings with partner state governors and the neighboring Niger Republic government will secure and fortify the whole areas from those that have refused to embrace the peace process.
Also in his remarks, Katsina state governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari
Commended Zamfara State Governor for rekindling the hope of the people by restoring peace in the North west through the dialogue as the activities of banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling has reduced drastically to a minimal level.
The Governor said he has assented to death penalty for kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other related crimes.
The governor of Sokoto state, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal called for the continued close working relationship with Security agencies in the area.
He said he has established laws regulating rents and reviewed some of the laws for construction of Houses and process of acquiring land.
The town hall meeting was attended by the Governors of Sokoto,Katsina and Zamfara as well as Ministers of Defence, Interior and Information.
