Matawalle Returns To Sokoto After Abduction, Killing Of Kebbi Traditional Ruler

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of Defence (State), Dr Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the renewed battle against banditry activities and insurgency in the North West region is quite on track.

This is even as he reiterated Federal Government’s determination to bring to an end the insecurity ravaging the geo-political zone and the entire Northern region of the country.

Dr Matawalle who spoke on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 on arrival in Sokoto, for another phase of the Presidential marching order to halt banditry activities in the area, also, expressed faith in the abilities of the Military and other security agencies to remain on top of the situation.

The Source reports that following the spate of abductions and killings, including that of the District Head of Sabon Gobor in Sokoto State, President Bola Tinubu had directed the Minister and Service Chiefs to relocate to the region to coordinate the onslaught against terrorists.

“As directed by Mr President, I am back for the second time in Sokoto State to coordinate this gigantic assignment in order to flush out the bandits and other criminals

“We have recorded some level of achievements that comprises the killing of notorious gang leaders and group members at different places.

“Relative peace had so far been recorded specifically in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina States.

“I am optimistic that our gallant troops will sustain the strides and continue to record success through ‘Fansan Yamma’ operations that was going on in the fight against these criminals in the North West.

“The Federal Government will continue to boost the morale of soldiers and other security agencies by supporting them to bring an end to this challenge.

“We appreciate the sacrifices and gallant fight against insecurity by military personnel and other security agencies”, Matawalle noted.

However, while banditry activities are said to be receding in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States according to the Minister, the terrorists appear to  be on the prowl in neighouring Kebbi State.

In a seeming rehearse of the ugly chain of events that culminated in the kidnap and subsequent killing of Isah Bawa Abdullahi, late District Head of Sabon Gobor, about a month ago, the bandits once again struck on October 6.

The terrorists, this time, seized Isah Kanya, the District  Head of Kanya in Kebbi State, together with eight others.

However, by the time rescue operations were concluded on Tuesday, 8th October, the eight others returned without the District Head.

The Kebbi Police Command has since confirmed his death in the abductors den, just like his Sokoto State colleague Bawa Abdullahi.

Not a few are of the conviction that Matawalle’s second  missionary journey to Sokoto might not be unconnected with the sad and unfortunate fate  that just befell the District Head.