From Segun Amure, (The New Diplomat’s Abuja Bureau)
The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, said the military has recently arrested an army officer and his girlfriend who were assisting bandits with military uniforms and ammunition.
Matawalle who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Bashir Maru made, this known while speaking at a press conference on Friday.
Maru stated that the culprits were arrested by the military through community-driven intelligence.
His statement reads, “The military recently arrested an army officer and his girlfriend who were engaged in assisting bandits with military uniforms and ammunition in active connivance with other saboteurs. This arrest was only made possible through community-driven intelligence.
“While the state government awaits the action the military will take on this matter and make an official statement, the development has further proved the position of Governor Bello Mohammed that unless the fight against banditry is cleansed of bad eggs and saboteurs, we may not record the desired success in the fight.
“Let me use this medium to salute the courage and patriotism of the individual who came forward with information that led to the arrest of these traitors. Our gratitude knows no bounds,” the official said.
Recall that Zamfara State had been in the news for the abduction of over 300 students of Government Girls Secondary School Jangebe in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.
Also, in a recent development, Mr. Maru had narrated how armed bandits invaded Ruwan Tofa village, Zamfara State to cart away women and children.
“Unfortunately, they abducted a number of persons, including women and children. Even as we speak, most of the abductees have since returned safely to their village.” Maru said.
However, an attempt to speak with the spokesperson, Defence Headquarters, Onyema Nwachukwu proved abortive as he did not respond to calls and text messages seeking his reaction to the comments made by the Governor.
