Zamfara banditry influential figures implicated by analyst. He claims high-profile individuals are involved, hindering security efforts
A security analyst in Zamfara State, Alhaji Ahmed Bakare, has expressed deep concern that the ongoing security crisis in the northwest region, particularly in Zamfara, is being perpetuated by powerful individuals.
He warned that ending the banditry may prove to be a prolonged and complex process.
Speaking to journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, Bakare asserted that if President Bola Tinubu’s administration is serious about eradicating banditry, significant figures must be held accountable.
“This is not an issue of the common man,” Bakare emphasized. “The issue involves some powerful individuals in Nigeria.
The former Governor of Zamfara State, now Minister of State for Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, clearly stated that the problem is not about the common man but about influential individuals.”
He recalled Matawalle’s allegations that certain influential figures in Zamfara are using their mining sites to support bandit activities.
“The ex-Governor even went further to take an oath with the Holy Quran, declaring that he has no involvement in the banditry activities plaguing the state.
He also challenged these influential individuals to come forward and take the same oath if they were truly innocent.
But up till now, apart from the former Governor, no one has come out to clear their conscience. And the federal government is still there without taking any tangible action.”
Bakare stressed that the ultimate responsibility for national security lies with the federal government, not the states.
“It is clear that state governments provide logistics support to the military and security operatives to help protect their people.
It is therefore unjustified for anyone to blame state governments for failing to address security challenges when the responsibility lies entirely with the federal government, as stipulated by the constitution.”
He cited a recent attack in the Dansadau district of Maru Local Government Area, where armed bandits attacked a food-laden trailer, killing eight people and abducting many others.
“Yet, despite the presence of a military station in Dansadau town, bandits continue to operate in the area,” he lamented. “How can Nigeria justify the huge salaries and allowances being paid to political appointees and security operatives when insecurity remains unchecked?”
The analyst also highlighted the recent killings and abductions of vigilante operatives and civilians in Bukkuyyum Local Government Area.
