Governor Bello visits Anka, Bukkuyim in Zamfara Insists 58 people killed  

Governor Bello visits Anka, Bukkuyim in Zamfara Insists 58 people killed  

By: James Bwala

Zamfara states governor, Bello Mattawalli has visited Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas amidst tight security to commiserate and assess damages done to the victims of recent banditry attacks in the areas.

The governor who went to the scenes of the incidents along with the State Commissioner of Police and the General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army in the State described the situation as horrific.

He earlier visited the two Monarchs of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Mohamned Anka and that of Bukkuyum, Alhaji Mohammed Usman in their separate palaces to condole with them over the killing of innocent people by bandits operating in the areas.

The Emirs who gave the Governor an authentic list of villages attacked and the list of victims who lost their lives wondered where recent media reports were sourced on the attacks. 

The correct figure stood at 58 lives lost according to the lists. But residents said the list given to the governor was not correct as they had buried 200 corpses.

The Emir of Anka gave a list of 22 deaths while the Emir of Bukkuyum gave a list of 36 victims as well as seven villages in Anka Local Government Area and one village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

“This is against the various figures ranging from 200 to 500 deaths and 11 villages attacked across different media reports.The two Emirs called on the Governor to continue with his laudable effort of fighting banditry in the State.

Governor Matawalle commiserated with the two Emirs and their entire subjects over the unfortunate incident and promised to address the humanitarian crisis arising from the attacks.

He then decried the noticeable slide in factual reportage by the media who have variously quoted scary figures of deaths arising from the recent attacks by fleeing bandits.

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Both the Governor and the two Emirs called on online media and the Social media to always verify the facts instead of scaring the public for whatever reasons.

“It is also obvious that my administration is not only threatened by bandits in the bush but also by political bandits in our towns and villages . These are those politicians who manipulate the crisis for political gains and the informants who aid the bandits in their nefarious activities. But we shall conquer all by the strength of the Almighty Allah”, Governor Matawalle assured.

Mattawalli said Government will henceforth, treat those who report deliberate lies about bandits escapades as terrorists as well.

“We cannot fold our arms and allow people to always create panic and paint a gorier picture of actual happenings in the state. We are faced with a big trial which we are doing our best to address. There is no justification for anyone to wish us deeper trouble.” He said.

Governor Bello visits Anka, Bukkuyim in Zamfara Insists 58 people killed