The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara has berated Governor Bello Matawalle for travelling to the Niger Republic to watch wrestling.

“He (Matawalle) was busy watching the annual wrestling festival in the Niger Republic, leaving the people of his state in perpetual fear of killer bandits, hunger, and ravaging poverty,” said Zamfara PDP deputy chairman Kabiru Jabaka while briefing journalists in Gusau.

Mr Jabaka decried the incessant kidnappings and bandits’ attacks, attributing them to Mr Matawalle’s insensitivity.

“Houses have been torched, and several people have abducted, and the head of governance in the state can leave the state as well as the country only to go and enjoy a pastime watching wrestling in Niger,” the PDP chief pointed out. 

He added, “This is very unfortunate, and this is demonstrative of the insensitivity of the government to the agony of the people of Zamfara.”

Mr Jabaka further urged the governor to stay within the state to provide food, medical care, and comfort for affected families and communities.

He claimed that more than 50 persons were killed within three days, stressing that the state was “bleeding profusely” without the government taking measures to tackle banditry.

“It is dishonourable of our leadership in the state at this very critical time, at this very challenging time when the state is profusely bleeding, lives are lost every day, more than 50 people killed in three days,” Mr Jabaka stated.

In November, Mr Matawalle shut down a filling station and bakery for helping bandits.

(NAN)