Zamfara Banditry: Matawalle Denies Links to Turji, Accuses Opponents of Smear Campaign
The former governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, has strongly denied any links to the activities of a wanted bandit leader, Bello Turji, in the state.
In a statement, Matawalle accused elements within the current Zamfara State government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plotting to tarnish his name, asserting that his hands were clean. He claimed the viral audio-visual clip suggesting a link between him and banditry was “unprofessionally concocted and poorly produced” to discredit him.
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However, in a shocking revelation, Turji himself has implicated Matawalle in empowering terrorists during his time as governor. In a video, Turji alleged that Matawalle’s failed amnesty scheme merely emboldened some bandits, who continued to operate from cities while giving their arms to their subordinates who are now kidnapping for ransom.
Turji named specific bandit leaders like Bashari Maniya, Kabiru, and Buhari, who he said moved to Sokoto after handing over their arms as part of the peace deal, only to continue their criminal activities.
Matawalle has denied these allegations, warning his political opponents to desist from linking him to banditry. He maintained that he led Zamfara with “all sense of humility, honesty, and justice” and received the required security clearance before becoming a minister.
The conflicting narratives have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the amnesty scheme and the government’s efforts to address the security challenges in the region. Thorough investigations are now necessary to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
By PRNigeria
