Zamfara Suspends Third Traditional Ruler Over Banditry Allegations

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State on Saturday sent the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on suspension for alleged involvement in banditry.

Emir Abubakar is the third traditional ruler to be so sanctioned by the governor for allegedly aiding banditry.

The suspension came on the heels of Thursday’s attack on Kadawa village in the emirate in which about 57 persons were allegedly killed by bandits.

Head of Service and Acting Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, said in Gusau yesterday that the governor also set up a committee to investigate the allegations.

The committee has Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, a former deputy governor in the state, as chairman.

Members of the committee are Alhaji Mukhtar Anka, also a former deputy governor in the state; Alhaji Faruku Dosara, Leader of the State House of Assembly; retired DIG Mamman Tsafe and Alhaji Yusuf Zugu.

Representatives of the Police, the DSS and the NSCDC are also members while Alhaji Musa Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Security and Home Affairs, is the secretary.

The committee has three weeks to submit its report.

The Emir of Dansadau, Alhaji Hussaini Umar and the District Head of Nasarawa Mailayi, Alhaji Bello Kiyawa, had earlier been suspended over the same issue.