Zamfara Governor denies relationship with terrorists; swears with Qur’an

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle on Sunday swore by the Qur’an to prove his innocence in the terrorism operations that has rocked the state in the past months.

The state has witnessed increasing kidnappings amid other insurgents activities from arms-wielding herders and the state’s usage of negotiations is yet to restore normalcy.

About 317 schoolgirls from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe were in February abducted by the terrorists.

Although, the students have regained their freedom, residents in the community remain panicked over the security situation in the state.

Speaking while he received an award conferred on him by the Centre for Quranic Reciter, Nigeria, Matawalle urged other leaders in the community to swear that they have no involvement with the insurgency.

“As I’ve been mentioning, the issue of insecurity is not just for federal government, governor or other security agencies; the issue of insecurity is for all of us, and we should not politicise the issue of insecurity,” he said.

“I have sworn with the Holy Qur’an that if I know, or if I am part of, or I know anybody who is coordinating this banditry, or with my hand or any of my family, may Allah not forgive me in this life.

“I dare all the people from Zamfara state, from our father, Aliyu Gusau to Yarima Bakura and all the cabinet members, right from the inception of the political dispensation of the state, to take this oath as I did.”

The governor claimed taking the oath will help identify those in support or against insurgency in the state.

The governor had in 2019 dethroned some traditional rulers over alleged involvement with insurgency.

Also, Zamfara State Police Command redeployed a divisional police officer (DPO) in Kaura-Namoda over allegations of abetting terrorism activities in the area.

Residents in Kungurki village in Kaura-Namoda Local government area had made the accusations in a viral video.