All abducted Zamfara residents’ll be rescued, Gov assures families

Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle told the relatives of the 29 wedding guests abducted in Sokoto on Saturday that the state would ensure their release. The governor also denounced the rise in banditry in the north-west, where many people have been slain and many more have been kidnapped.

Governor Matawalle said in a statement issued by his media assistant, Zailani Bappa, that his government has made efforts to address the state’s security situation.

He urged abduction victims’ families to have faith in the state government’s abilities to combat banditry in the state.

”This singular incident marks another sad moment in the fight against the security challenges we are facing in our dear state. I appeal to the families of all abducted persons to have confidence in our ability to do all that is needed to be done in rescuing their dear ones.

“I have directed all security agencies for the speedy location of the abducted persons and will, in sha Allah, be rescued.”

According to him, the state government would not accept any act of indiscipline by unscrupulous individuals seeking to use the current circumstances for cheap political gain, and his administration will not fold its arms and allow heartless people to go on manipulating the misfortune of innocent citizens for their selfish political ends.

Matawalle warned: “We are a responsible Government and we shall not relent in ensuring the safety of all our citizens at all times. We shall not condone calculated political sabotage or vagaries and indiscriminate abuse of privileges to jeopardize our fragile security situation in the state.

“We have noted the rise of informants’ activities leading to many unfortunate banditry attacks on soft targets. We shall take more stringent steps in addressing the current situation, including possible communication shut down once again.