To curb increasing banditry, Zamfara State government has announced the immediate suspension of some traditional rulers over alleged connivance with bandits in the state.
They are a first class traditional ruler, the Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, and District Head of Kanoma, Alhaji Ahmed Lawal.
The state governor, Dr. Bello Mohammed (Matawallen Maradun), also warned armed bandits to surrender and embrace peace before it is too late.
The suspension is contained in a statement signed by Mr Yusuf Idris, Director-General to the governor on Press Affairs, in Gusau Thursday.
Recall that Kanoma was attacked during the Sallah celebration, leaving no fewer than 16 persons dead and 14 others wounded.
The statement read: “His Excellency, the Zamfara State governor, Dr. Bello Mohammed, has approved the suspension of the Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Cika Ibrahim (Banagan Maru).
“The governor also approved the suspension of the District Head of Kanoma, Alhaji Ahmed Lawal (Bunun Kanoma).
”Ibrahim and Lawal will remain suspended, pending the conclusion of an investigative panel soon to be set up by the state government.”
According to the government, the suspensions followed series of complaints from the communities regarding the traditional rulers’ alleged dealings with bandits.
It directed the suspended Emir to handover his official vehicle and all other government property in his possession to the most senior district head.
“The district head is also directed to handover same to the most senior village head in the area,” the government stated.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed has called on armed bandits to surrender and embrace peace before it is too late.
The governor made the call when he paid a condolence visit to people of Kanoma district area of Maru local government area who were attacked by armed bandits.
Mohammed said he was grieved to receive the bad news of the bandits attack on Kanoma which resulted in the death of many innocent souls, with others sustaining various degrees of injury.
He assured people of the area and, indeed, the whole state of adequate security measures that will bring to an end the menace of armed banditry and other criminal activities in the state
The governor said his administration was poised to collaborate with security agencies and all well meaning citizens of the state in order to end the security challenges facing the state.
He called on the locals to provide government with accurate intelligence reports that will assist security agencies to apprehend the criminals.
Praying to Allah to reward the souls of those who lost their lives with Jannatul firdaus and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss, the governor also called on the bandits to surrender their arms and embrace peace before it is too late.
He directed the immediate transfer of all the victims admitted at Kanoma Hospital to the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, for a better medical attention, while all medical bills would be shouldered by the state government.
Governor Mohammed also directed the security agencies to move swiftly to arrest the perpetrators of the act.
Briefing the governor on the attack earlier, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the District Head of Kansas, said the bandit came in large number and shot indiscriminately at whoever crossed their path, adding that this resulted in the death of 16 persons, while 14 others sustained various degrees of injury.
