Governor, Bello Matawalle, during a state broadcast on May 4,
2020.
Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has secured the
release of 26 girls abducted by bandits.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Public Enlightenment,
Media, and Communications, Zailani Bappa, disclosed this in a
statement on Sunday.
Governor Matawalle who received the rescued girls following
their release insisted that dialogue with bandits was still very
relevant in the fight against banditry.
He stressed that his administration would not abandon the peace
dialogue with bandits as firepower alone cannot solve the problem
of banditry in Zamfara and other states facing similar
challenges.
“This is a testimony to our vision for engaging the bandits in
peace dialogue,” the governor was quoted as saying in the
statement.
He added, “For those who believe we are wrong to dialogue with
the bandits, the securing of these minors who are all girls and
unhurt, is indeed, priceless”.
All the girls, who are minors and are indigenes of Katsina
State, are said to have regained freedom without the payment of any
ransom.
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They were kidnapped by bandits in Faskari Local Government Area
of Katsina State and brought into the bushes of Zamfara State.
According to the statement, the victims were miraculously
discovered by the Zamfara State government and got released through
negotiations.
The negotiations held under the Commissioner Of Police and
Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs in Zamfara, who have
been in constant dialogue with bandits on behalf of the state
government on the need to embrace peace and live a normal life.
The 26 rescued girls, whose ages range between eight and 12,
were medically checked and provided with new clothes while Governor
Matawalle ordered their safe return to Katsina.
This brings the total number of those released by bandits in
Zamfara in the last one week to at least 40.