The Zamfara State Government, while admitting that security personnel are overstretched, is demanding for special consideration through deployment of more personnel to tackle escalation of attacks by bandits in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications to Governor Bello Matawalle, Zailani Bappa, dated May 29, 2021
“Government is aware of the challenges faced by security commands especially as they seemed obviously overstretched.
In spite of the obvious shortfall, Government requests that special consideration should be given to Zamfara State in terms of the deployment of more forces for quicker response to all security threats.
It explained that following the recent escalation and the wave of attacks by bandits in some parts of the State, it has become necessary for the Government to further explain its previous and current position as well as additional measures being taken to contain the situation.
“The administration of His Excellency, Governor Bello Mohammed accords security a topmost attention. Since its inception precisely two years ago , it has carefully examined the situation and evaluated the available options.
” It consequently decided on the best way to address the lingering crisis that was increasingly assuming intercommunal and ethnic dimensions through dialogue and reconciliation with the feuding parties. This is in consideration of the fact that no meaningful development could be achieved if decisive and workable steps are not taken to address the problem at hand.
“In addition to the dialogue and reconciliation programme, the administration of Governor Bello Matawalle provided all the needed support required by our security agencies to enable them carry out their statutory responsibility more effectively.
“As you may recall, one of these is the procurement and distribution of 200 brand new vehicles to the security forces. There are a host of other supports being extended to the security forces by the administration,” it explained.
It pointed out that in spite of employment of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategy to defeat this nagging problem, the recent escalation in attacks by bandits in some parts of the state is a serious source of concern.
” It appears, or even certain, that some forces are bent on frustrating the efforts of this administration to address the security challenge. It is inconceivable that these attacks have been conducted despite the effective deployment of troops across all the blackspots in the State.
“In the above light, the Hon Commissioner of Security and Home Affairs, Alh. Abubakar Muhammad Dauran, had observed that part of the hurdles hindering the success of the fight against banditry in the State is the lack of quick response by the Security forces in the wake of attacks by bandits. Hence, all commanders deployed in the state are enjoined to take necessary measures that will ensure rapid response to distress calls,” it said.
The statement said that just as His Excellency, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle commends the overall assessment of gallantry and commitment of troops and other security operatives in the state, the Government and good people of Zamfara State will always thank and appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for the concern and total support he shows on the plight of Zamfara citizens in the ongoing fight against banditry and other criminalities.
