Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has vehemently denied allegations of sponsoring banditry, challenging his accusers to present concrete evidence. The former Zamfara State Governor made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
Matawalle, who has been under scrutiny for his approach to handling banditry in Zamfara, defended his strategy of engaging in dialogue with bandits. He emphasized that this method, which has been adopted by several governors, has led to the recovery of abducted persons and weapons in the state.
“Bring any proof that I sponsor bandits,” Matawalle demanded. He pointed out that other governors, including those of Niger and Sokoto states, have also engaged in dialogue with bandits without facing similar accusations. “Zamfara is a very complex state with terrible human beings with devilish ideas,” he added, suggesting that the unique challenges of the state might be a reason for the targeted allegations.
Matawalle further accused his political rivals, including General Ali Gusau and Dauda Lawal, of being involved in the very activities they accuse him of. He challenged them to swear on the Holy Quran, as he did, to prove their innocence. “If they don’t take the oath, that means they are part of it,” he asserted.
The Minister highlighted his commitment to tackling criminal elements in Zamfara, stating that his efforts have made him unpopular among those engaged in illegal activities. “The people who oppose me do so because I go after them,” he remarked, confirming that these individuals are indeed politicians.
Matawalle’s approach has reportedly led to significant successes, including the recovery of weapons and the release of thousands of abducted individuals, some of whom were foreign nationals. Despite the controversy, he remains steadfast in his belief that dialogue is a viable solution to the banditry crisis.
This development comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration continues to grapple with various security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.
