Zamfara Gov’r Decries Banditry On Chief Of Air Staff Visit
By Mohammed Umar
In furtherance of the efforts to strategize to end banditry, the Zamfara state governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle has declared total face -off with any person or group found either sponsoring, aiding, abetting or guiding bandits in the state.
The governor gave the declaration on the visit of Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadiq Abubakar to Zamfara today.
The governor said actions of some mischief makers in the state who have formed the habit of transmitting false information and making heroes out of criminal elements would no longer be treated with kid gloves.
He warned them to either stop or await terrible consequences of their evil acts.
According to him, the state government in collaboration with security agents have effectively been using kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in addressing security issues, but that with the realization of the increasing criminal intents of those aiding the bandits, the government was left with no other option than to appropriately hit hard at such persons in order to put a complete stop on their activities.
He revealed that with the provision of CH-4 Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV) by the Federal Government to the state, the state government will employ more and new tactical approach in the fight against the bandits, expressing confidence that the new measure will bring lasting solution to the menace of armed banditry in the north western states.
Governor Matawalle said a mechanism has been put in place to monitor the activities of all suspected criminally minded people in the state and will not hesitate to take drastic action against them.
He then commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of the unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV in the state noting that the singular gesture would go a long way in facilitating the activities of the security operatives involved in the fight against armed banditry in Zamfara and its neighbouring states.
Matawalle who described the President as a man with good heart always showing concern over the security situation in the state urged the visiting Chief of Air Staff to extent the appreciation of the government and people of Zamfara state over the good efforts of the president to the state.
He assured state government’s logistical and other support to all officers and men involved in the fight against terrorism in the state.
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar informed the governor that he was in the state to assess facilities at the 207 Quick Response Unit of the Nigeria Air Force, Gusau with a view to commence the deployment of addition air assets to Gusau as directed by President Buhari.
He said four UAV will very soon be moved to the state in order to closely monitor all activities of bandits as well as to precisely identify their camps and other hideouts
The air force boss informed the governor that this was the first time in the history of the Nigerian Air Force to acquire such high technology CH-4 unmanned aerial vehicle.
He explained that a total of eight UAV were deployed to the northern states with two each at Gombe and Borno states while the remaining four which will be stationed in Zamfara will cover states in the north west.
He said the Air Force would soon construct the runway of the UAV in the state for deployment and additional air operational staff.
During the event, Governor Matawalle presented 13 rescued kidnap victims comprising five males, five females and three infants to the Chief of Air Staff.
The governor also used the occasion to dispel rumours that the kidnapped persons who hailed from Mutunji village of Maru local government were 53 when they were actually 13.
