Zamfara Souvenir news

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD 

A notorious armed bandit commander, alias Bello Mazan Kara who terrorised Zamfara state has been arrested by the Zamfara state Police Command.

Parading the suspects to newsmen at the command headquarters, Unguwar Gwaza, Gusau, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ayuba Elkana said the armed bandits commander who was arrested by the gallant troops of the Nigeria Police, Zamfara state command together with 21 other suspects after killing 5 bandits in the process were among the armed bandits terrorising people of the Zamfara West senatorial district of the state.‌

” Bello Mazan Kara was once a member of the notorious gang of bandits lead by the Turji group who later formed his deadly gang after they were separated” CP Ayuba said.

He however disclosed that, police in their efforts to rid the state of crime and criminals, the command has reiterated that the curfew earlier announced from 6pm to 6am in the 13 local government areas is still intact in the state. 
CP Elkana  reiterated that, vehicles using tinted glasses, tricycles cabins and three persons on one motorcycle is still banned across the state. 

The Commissioner further  announced  that, curfew in Gusau metropolitan was shift from 8pm to 12pm in the night while the morning remain  6am, warning that any person found after the stated period would be arrested and questioned accordingly. 

CP Ayuba assured the general public command commitment to continue to ensure that peace is restored in the state.

Rt. Hon Nasiru Mu,azu Magarya
Acting Governor, Zamafara state

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Acting Governor and Speaker, Zamfara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya has charged people of the state to intensify prayers and fasting to addressed the  insecurity and old banditry activities in the state.

Rt. Hon. Magarya made the assertion  in a  special weekly preaching session organised by the state Ministry for Religious Affairs to mark the Silver Jubilee (25years) celebrations for the creation of Zamfara state and 61st nation’s Independence anniversary held at the Eid Ground, Gusau. 

Governor Magarya said more than any other time in the past,  Zamfara state and nation’s as a whole are in serious security turmoil capable of tearing the state apart and also threatening our  corporate existence as a nation.

He explained that, the precarious security situation in the state which is a source of concern to all well-meaning citizen of the state,  informed the decision of the Matawallen Maradun’s administration to imposed drastic security measures aimed at curtailing the activities of bandits in the state.

While commanding the people of the state for their understanding and support to thevstate government on the security measures taken, the state acting Governor said such measures have yielded positive results.

“Government viewed with serious concern the security situation in Gusau the state capital and decided to ease the measures which include restoration of telecommunication networks relapsing of curfew opening of Gusau market among others” he re-iterated.

The acting Governor however used the period to congratulates the people of the state for the 25 year’s anniversary of Zamfara state and 61st nation’s independence celebrations and further prayed for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the state and nation as whole .

By : Zailani Bappa

It has been a few weeks since Zamfara state Governor initiated the measure of suspending telecommunications services in the state as part of measures taken to curtail the excesses of bandits in the state. He has been accused severally by self acclaimed humanists and arm chair critics, most of whom do not even have a grasp of the map of Zamfara state lest even know the reality of its social setting.

We have battled with these type of critics who, nonetheless, were overwhelmingly ignored by Nigerians because they know them. Some of them are professional critics on matters they know little or nothing about but are pampered by a section of the media to further compound Nigeria’s effort at solving its multifaceted and challenging problems.

The latest measure taken by Zamfara State government to further nip in the bud the lingering problem of insecurity was a child of necessity. This has been acknowledged and supported by all well meaning residents of the State. The are states bordering Zamfara who initially had no intention to follow the same path, but saw the wisdom in doing so, did. Those who said they won’t, later did as well.

It is not wise to divulge much on the operation as it continues, but suffice to say that most of the dreaded bandit enclaves in Zamfara state are either routed today or are in complete disarray. Their backbone who are their informants have been greatly incapacitated with not less than 2,000 of them arrested so far. Note that before mow, most of them are known by the villagers where they reside but cannot be pointed out due to fear.

As the operation lasts, and as the successes recorded are clearly unprecedented, just like the arm chair critics, some worn-out politicians from the zone who have been instructively mute in the past when the bandits held sway, have today found their tongues released from captivity and are bent on discrediting it and its initiator, Governor Bello Mohammed.

No doubt, the measure is stringent, but it has become necessary at this time which the public have acknowledged and welcomed. It is also not in doubt that His Excellency has put a vehicle in place to ease the suffering of the people by mobilizing palliatives across the state. This will most certainly reach the people intended wether the Governor is in the state or not . The exigencies of administration is clear and its mis application by those who have followed the oath is therefore most unfortunate and all time low.

Governor Matawalle is not responsible for the sprouting and the subsequent maturity of banditry in the state or the North-West zone. But he is acknowledged even by our respected President Muhammadu Buhari as a dogged leader who is doing the right thing to end the problem he inherited in the state with honesty and committment.

It is rather unfortunate that when politicians fail in their popularity bait, try to pull down a rising star in their desperate attempt to once again shine. The current pace of fight against banditry will definitely continue. The vision of Governor Bello Mohammed cannot be dimmed by such opportunistic critics or politicians. With God on our side and with the continued support of our people, we shall succeed.

From: Our Reporter

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawallen of Zamfara state has ordered for the immediate restoration of telecommunications service within Gusau metropolis, with effect from Friday, 1st October, 2021.

In a statement issued to newsmen by the Special Adviser on Public Enlightement, Media and Communication, office of the Executive Governor, Malam Zailani Bappa said, the restoration of the telecommunication services in Gusau the state capital becomes imperative following the tremendous success recorded by the security agencies in the fight against banditry in the state and further to ease the hardship faced by both the private and public sectors of the state.

“Government finds it necessary to ease the tight measures after the recorded success desired of it which has no doubt destabilsed the syndicate of criminals terrorising the state” he stated. 

While commending the general public across the state for their endurance, support and cooperation during the period of telecommunication black out in the area, Hon. Zailani Bappa stated that Governor Bello Matawalle has further assured that his administration will continue to monitor closely the unfolding developments and will announce further decisions of government on measures to be taken appropriately.

FROM SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara state called on state media houses to always be professional and highly ethical standard in carrying  out  their duties in the  society. 

Matawalle made the  called during a two days  training workshop organised by the Zamfara state Ministry of Information in collaboration with some foreign media partners for working journalists in the state.

Governor Bello Matawalle who was represented by the Commissioner of Information, Hon.  Ibrahim Magaji Dosara said, the role of the media in our society is very critical, as both the government and governed fully defend on the media for information to better the society. 

The training which was aimed at fine tuning the journalists working with state owned media for modern day expectation in view of the evolution of the social media according to him could also assist in meeting the yearning and aspirations of the society.

While assuring government support to working journalists in the state, Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle further advised them to always be objectives in their reportage and also avoid casting headlines that are castigated.

In their  separate presentations at the workshop held at UBE Training Centre, bye Pass road Gusau, a re-known broadcasters Mohammad Abba Sanyinna and Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi  former reporter of the BBC charged the participants on branding, use of modern technology in journalism and the impact of social media in fighting against banditry across the state.

The participants at the two day workshops were drown from various media houses across the state that Comprises, The Legacy Newspaper, Ministry of Information, Zamfara Radio and Television, State  FM, Correspondents, Pride FM, Gamji TV, Sternded Voice, Sky Newspaper and some on-line media in the state.

FROM SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Zamfara state Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara has assured state government readiness to partner with State Malaria Elimination programme (SMEP) Committee in fighting against Malaria across the state.

Hon. Dosara made the assurance when he received a committee for Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) on maleria who recently paid him a Courtesy visit in his office.

“awareness is the only way in reducing the risk of malaria to pregnant women and Children under 5  years who are at the high risk of infections” he explained.

The Commissiner said, a special programmes will be introduced by the Ministry to creates awareness against malaria in all the media organizations in the state as part of the measure to educate the general public on the danger of the disease.

” the enlightenment programmes will includes Jingles and other programmes that will be of great benefit in creating awareness towards achieving the needed goals”  commissioner stated.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Committee ACSM Barrister Bashar Garba Gusau said that, they are at the Ministry to congratulate the Commissioner and further inform him the mission of the committee under SMEP and Ministry of Health.

Barrister Bashir Garba said, over 90% success recorded by the committee comes from the Information Ministry and appealled for awareness programme by various media House across the state.

According to him, at this period SMC Malaria, drugs were been administering to children under five years, which two cycle have been done in July and August, this year, while the remaining two cycles needs a lot of media campaign.

Barrister Bashir Garba informed that the state Committee for ACSM comprises the representative from various ministries and media house in the state aimed of creating awareness on Malaria risk in the Society.

FROM SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Zamfara state government has re-iterated its commitments to continues in supporting orphans and less priviledge people across the state.

Commissioner of Information in Zamfara state, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara made this known while receiving officials of Mabruk Orphans and Vulnerable Foundation a non governmental organisation based in the state who paid him a courtesy visit in his office recently.

Hon. Dosara said the state government under the leadership of His Excellency’s Governor Bello Matawalle in its efforts to improved the welfare and well-being of orphans and less priviledge people in the state had initiated various programmes that have direct bearing to the life of a common man in the areas of education, health and other sectors associated with human endeavours.
While assuring the Foundation of his office readiness to assist them  within the capability of the ministry in order to carry out its activities without hitch Hon. Ibrahim Dosara however, urged them to maintain the tempo in initiating good programmes of assisting orphans in the state.

While assuring the Foundation of his office readiness to assist them  within the capability of the ministry in order to carry out its activities without hitch Hon. Ibrahim Dosara however, urged them to maintain the tempo in initiating good programmes of assisting orphans in the state.

He used the forum to called on the wealthy individuals, philanthropists in the state and beyond to emulate the foundation as enjoined by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to the muslim Ummah to take care of the orphans.

Earliar in her address, the Chairperson of the Foundation, Hajiya Dije Ahmad Gusau (Uwar Marayun Tudun Wada Gusau) said they were at the commissioner’s office to congratulate him over his recent appointment as and also to introduce their foundation to him.

Hajiya Dije Ahmad who the the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry before her retirement however solicited the support and assistance of the Ministry in rendering their activities, as well as explained their activities of the foundation that are aimed at complimenting government’s effort in assisting the less privilleage in the state

From : Our Reporter

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara state has announced the banned of selling fuel from all filling stations in the state, except in Gusau and 14 local Government headquarters. 

In a statement issued to newsmen by the Special Adviser on Media,Publicity and Public Enlightement and Communication, office of the Executive Governor, Mallam Zailani Bappa, said the new measures aimed at curtailing the growing activities of banditry in the state  further warn that no eligible filling station is allowed to sell fuel of more that N10,000 to a single customer.

“the sale of fuel in jerry cans is disallowed in all filling stations while roadside purchase (popularly known as black market) are entirely banned” the statement emphasised.

Governor Matawalle further announced that all weekly markets across the state are suspended but normal market activities of buying and selling for local consumptions are exempted from the ban.

On the issues transportation of food items and livestocks in the state, Governor Bello ordered that the transportation of livestock to and from the state is henceforth suspended while the transportation of food across the state and outside the state must be verified to authenticate its destination otherwise will be seized and taken to the orphanage.

“the new rules include the banning of riding on motorcycles and tricycles from 6pm to 6am in the state except the state capital which starts by 8pm to 6am everyday, the ban on carrying more than two persons on motorcycle and offenders will be stopped to verify its passengers, otherwise will be apprehended” Matawalle further stated.

He however, warned that those motor cycles riders who break the law stand the risk of being shot at by the security operatives and further called on all citizens in the state to observe these rules to avoid unfortunate incidents as the security operatives will be empowered to treat offenders as suspected bandits.

From : Our Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended for the immediate sending a Rapid Response Troops to fight the resurgence of armed banditry in Zamfara State.

Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state made the commendation while granting audience to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto and Commander Joint Task Force, North West Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Uwem Bassey who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Gusau.

In a statement issued to newsmen by the Press Secretary, Office of the Executive Governor, Mallam Jamilu Iliyasu Birnin Magaji said Governor Bello Matawalle expressed appreciation with the deployment of 100 special forces to the state by the president who were at the battle field fighting bandits in Zamfara forests, pointing out that the measure will end all forms of criminality in the state.

“this was indicative that the president is concerned with what is happening in the state especially the recent resurgence of kidnappings and killings of innocent people in some parts of the state” he stated.

According to the statement, Governor Bello said his administration will continue to give all necessary assistance in terms of logistics and support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state for them to succeed in the fight against criminality in the state.

While describing the posting of Major General Uwem Bassey as General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto and Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadarin Daji as a blessing to the North West zone considering his vast experience and talent at various war fronts, Governor Matawalle informed that he has since been praying for the posting of a talented and hardworking Army officer to the Headquarters of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto who will stand and secure the zone professionally so that the lingering armed banditry will be a thing of the past.

“my administration has engaged Islamic scholars and Imams to pray fervently for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the state and the North in general” Governor Matawalle reiterated.

He however, urged the intelligence unit of the Nigerian Army, particularly the Operation Hadarin Daji to redouble their efforts in tracing and tracking of informants who are aiding banditry in the zone, and called for concerted working synergy between all security agencies so as to achieve success in the war fronts.

Governor Bello further advised for effective collaboration between the local vigilantee Groups, Armed forces and other security agencies to achieved the lasting peace in the zone.

Earlier in his address, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army Sokoto and Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Uwem Bassey said they were at the Government House to inform the Governor on his assumption as the new GOC, 8 Division Nigerian Army Sokoto.
“the Division is in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states and is professionally carrying out operation Hadarin Daji in the zone and dealing with all criminal elements” he stated.

Major General Uwem Bassey while commended Governor Bello for his administration effort in the area of security further told him that his mission is to secure the zone professionally from any form of criminal activities, especially the rate of kidnapping and killing of innocent people, noting that bandits and other criminal elements will continue to be dealt with in the area.

He assured that he will continue to support the Government security wise to contain insecurity in all the state.