Rita Odafe
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, refuted claims made by a wanted terrorist leader, Bello Turji, asserting that he tackled banditry during his time as the governor of Zamfara State.
Turji accused Matawalle of supporting terrorists during his leadership, pointing to Matawalle’s amnesty initiative offering financial incentives to bandits who surrendered, which allegedly led to increased insecurity in the state as the bandits used the funds to enhance their operations instead.
Despite Turji’s allegations, Matawalle rejected the claims via his media representatives, labeling them as baseless fabrications intended to defame him.
In a statement issued by Deyemi Saka, it was mentioned that the recovered weapons from the terrorists were handed over to relevant government security agencies.
Matawalle also accused his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, of having close ties with terrorists, alleging that bandits celebrated Lawal’s electoral victory and vowed allegiance to him for his promised support.
In response to the accusations, Matawalle’s camp emphasized the need to focus on public safety and national security, denouncing the unfounded claims made by Turji, a wanted bandit leader.
During his term as governor of Zamfara State, Matawalle’s efforts were aimed at combatting banditry and criminal activities directly.
The statement reiterated that all arms confiscated from bandits were submitted and recorded at the Government House in Gusau before being handed over to the appropriate security authorities.
Highlighting Lawal’s alleged association with criminal elements, Matawalle’s team called for a cessation of using security matters for political agendas and urged unity in addressing national security concerns.
