Governor Bello Matawalle has vowed to take “a new stand” regarding armed bandits ravaging the Zamfara.

Brutal killings and abductions have plagued the state. Speaking with the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Governor Atiku Bagudu, who had visited on Saturday to commiserate with him, Mr Matawalle 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 explained.

On Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari described the current onslaughts by armed groups across the country as terrorist attacks.

“These recurring kidnappings and killings, in Kaduna state, in particular, are barbaric terror attacks,” said Mr Buhari. “We are determined to continue fighting all forms of banditry, kidnapping, and criminality with maximum will and with all the resources available to our country.” 

Earlier, Mr Bagudu, during the condolence visit to Zamfara, said, “We were with Governor Matawalle in Abuja three days ago to discuss the issue of insecurity with the Presidency when he hurriedly left us after receiving reports of attacks on some communities in the state.

“Since 2014, when, as senators, we came to Zamfara over the killing of over 90 innocent persons. We thought we had witnessed the last of such unfortunate happening, but sadly, the matter has continued to defy measures.

“We are here on behalf of APC governors to condole with government and people of Zamfara, especially the immediate family members of those killed, and to assure you that we will always be with you in this fight.” 

(NAN)