BEVERLY HILLS, February 16, (THEWILL) – Governor Abdulaziz Yari has alleged that his administration gave security agencies 24 hour head-start to alert them on the impending invasion of communities in Zamfara by bandits that resulted in the death of 39 persons in Zurmi local government area of the state on Wednesday night.
Speaking Friday evening when he led five Northern Governors on a sympathy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Yari said security agencies in the area have failed to tackle the problem of cross border banditry and terrorism bedeviling communities in the area.
“Whatever humanly possible that needed to be done, we as a government have done to mitigate this disaster. But it does appear that security agencies are failing in their responsibilities.
“I feel let down facing the people of this state whenever I remember the promise I made to them that when they elected President Muhammadu Buhari into power, these killings will end. But unfortunately, things are now getting worse,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, echoed what Yari said, adding that if not for the bravery of vigilante groups who confronted the bandits, the casualty figures would have been higher.
Giving insight into what really happened, the Emir alleged that 600 bandits made attempt to invade Zurmi but were repelled by vigilantes.
“They came on 200 motorcycles with three persons on each bike. Each of them well-armed. We stationed 500 vigilante members who stood their ground and gallantly fought the bandits. Unfortunately, these same bandits turned their anger on travelers and other villagers on their way here, that was why we had 39 people killed.”
In his remarks, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno appealed to the people not to lose patience. He sympathized with the victims and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest. In addition to Shettima and Yari, other Governors on the entourage were Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Umar Tanko Al-Makura of Nassarawa States.
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