Governor moves against bandits, death penalty for informants

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has led security agencies in the state on an operation against bandits and declared that the state would implement death penalty for informants of bandits.

The new governor and his entourage went to bush camps of bandits and their hideouts near Wonaka town in Gusau Local Government area of the state.

The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Mahadi Aliyu-Gusau, heads of security agencies in the state on his way to Lilo community in Mada district of Gusau local government area.

Bandits had on Saturday attacked Lilo community which resulted in the killing of eight persons while 18 others were injured.

The bandits were chased away at their camps during the governor’s unannounced visit to the area.

They abandoned their hideouts and crossed a nearby river and disappeared from the operatives who were on the governor’s motorcade.

“As Chief security officer of the state, l have to show a good example, I have no option than to lead security agencies for this operation.

“As a leader, I have to show commitment to my people toward addressing this problem.”

He declared that the state government may soon start implementing death penalty on bandits’ informants in the state.

He said the government would not tolerate some citizens supporting bandits to carry out their criminal activities while pretending to be good fellows.

“We are going to send an executive bill to the state house of assembly immediately after the inauguration of the law makers and l want to assure the good citizens that if the bill is passed, it will be implemented to the letter,” he said.

The governor cautioned Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members to avoid taking the laws into their hands, saying that his administration would not tolerate extra judicial killings

“As JTF members, you have no right to kill anybody; enough is enough, as from today government will not allow extra judicial killing.

“It is very sad, so regrettable the way our people are being killed every day, it is very unfortunate that we took over this government in the midst of serious security challenges not only in Zamfara but also all over the country.

“If you arrest any bandit, you should hand them over to the appropriate authorities; this administration has made adequate arrangements to tackle insecurity, all what we need is support and prayers.”

He said his government had provided more equipment for the security agencies to carry out their duties effectively.