Governor Bello Matawalle has directed security agencies to demolish houses of informants and arms suppliers of Zamfara bandits.

In a statement by Yusuf Idris, the governor’s media aide, on Wednesday, the order was with immediate effect.

Mr Matawalle gave the order when Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal paid him a sympathy visit over recent bandits attacks on Zamfara communities, leaving many people killed and several others displaced.

Mr Matawalle said the government would take serious punitive measures, including demolishing any house where informants, arms suppliers, and others aiding bandits.

The governor added that the action became necessary to fully address the resurgence of bandits in some parts of the state.

“The activities of the informants are creating a lot of problems in the ongoing fight against banditry in the state,” said Mr Matawalle.  

The governor also directed traditional rulers to be vigilant and monitor the activities of landlords and tenants in their domain.

He stated further that this would help security agents to track and arrest suspicious persons before they wreak havoc on innocent citizens.

Earlier, Mr Tambuwal said he was in Zamfara to commiserate with the government and people over the recent killing of innocent souls.

He described the attack as devastating, tragic and a serious calamity.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the attack.

He commended Mr Matawalle for handling the state’s security challenges, which led to the decline in attacks and the killing of residents. 

On Saturday, Mr Matawalle vowed to take “a new stand” regarding armed bandits ravaging the Zamfara.

Brutal killings and abductions have plagued the state. 

Mr Matawalle had revealed that his administration would use “new tactics” to tackle Zamfara’s protracted insecurity. The northern governor has always advocated that Nigerians should show sympathy to armed bandits.

“I recently discussed extensively the issue of security challenges facing the state with President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation’s service chiefs, all of whom have commended our efforts and promised their continued support.

“We have been doing our best and will continue to do it in order to bring lasting peace to the state. The security agencies in the state are also up and doing.

“In the next three to four days, we are going to take a new stand and apply some new tactics in addressing the matter,” Mr Matawalle had stated.