Governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle has stated that his administration will no longer grant amnesty to bandits
Matawale had earlier stated that dialogue remains the best option to tackle banditry in the country.
Matawalle while speaking after attending the Juma’at prayer on Friday said amnesty offered to bandits no longer stands as many of them had failed to embrace peace.
“My administration will no longer grant amnesty to bandits as they have failed to embrace the peace initiative earlier extended to them,” he said.
“Politicians should fear God and stop buying motorcycles to distribute to people who, in turn, sell to bandits to perpetuate their evil acts.’’
The governor also said the recent raids by security agencies against bandits had prompted them to seek dialogue with the government, but added that his administration is committed to ensuring peace in the state.
“They sent committee to us, begging that we suspend the ban on transportation of food items and allow them to supply, but I refused,” he said.
“We have ensured that whatever God has directed us to do, we did. So, what we are doing now is to leave them to answer to God. What we are doing now is to fight with them day and night and we are together with you.
“By the grace of God, whatever you see, it is you (residents) that will help the government. Like yesterday, we sent security operatives and got the report that most of the bandits are escaping to other regions because of the suffering they are undergoing here in Zamfara.
“Residents of Zamfara should cooperate with the government and stop transporting food items, firewood, petrol, motorcycles. Those used by the bandits for their operations and politicians who are distributing motorcycles to the bandits should stop. They should fear God and desist from the act.”
In another development, Ayuba Elkanah, police commissioner in Zamfara, has suspended the movement of motorcycles with clutches in 13 LGAs in the state.