By Sulaiman Abaje
When Aljazeera’s Ahmed Idris said increased military presence was only felt about 3 years ago in Zamfara, many gave the credit to Matawalle, because he had on several occasions appealed to President Buhari to do more for his state including the call for a state of emergency in the whole region in a protracted conflict that is about a decade old.
About 10 villages were attacked, and residents confirmed deaths occurred as reprisals from fleeing bandits, and in the words used by Ahmed Idris, “Who the President said were retreating from these airstrikes”, as days of intense bombardment was carried out on bandits’ hideouts in Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, many have showered praises on Governor Bello Matawalle for his rare bravery to step foot on the battlefront where gun fire was exchanged between our gallant soldiers and terrorist bandits.
The Governor in a stunning camouflage suit was reluctant to were a bulletproof vest despite told to do so, as he was in high spirits to boost the morale of our gallant troops at the battlefield of Kyaware along Tsafe to ‘Yankara road.
After a successful gun duel where criminal gangs escorted by 50 motorcycles where neutralised, the Governor compassionately accompanied injured soldiers to the hospital for a proper medical care.
Hence, the incumbent Chief Security Officer of Zamfara State who never thought of resigning despite the ups and downs has now demonstrated an unmatched bravery and compassion.
Similarly, Matawalle recently stole the hearts of many when he told BBC HAUSA that he risked his life at the battleground to encourage our gallant troops, where he said, “I want them to know that as leaders we have the same life just like them, and we can sacrifice our lives for our people… I am willing to die for my people”.
Consequently, Governor Matawalle after his recent visit to Anka and Bukkuyum Monarchs in commiserations of the recent banditry attacks, said:
“It is also obvious that my administration is not only threatened by bandits in the bush but also political bandits in our towns and villages. These are the 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”.
Sulaiman Abaje is an artiste, writer, and a content provider
