The Zamfara State Government has commenced the return of cattle recovered from bandits to their rightful owners in Gummi Local Government Area as part of efforts to support victims of cattle rustling and restore their means of livelihood.

The exercise was carried out by the Committee for the Recovery and Return of Stolen Livestock, chaired by Sheikh Sa’idu Aliyu Mai Kwano.

At a verification meeting held in Gummi, the committee screened claimants and administered oaths to individuals seeking to reclaim livestock allegedly stolen during bandit attacks in communities across the local government area and its environs.

Speaking during the exercise, the committee chairman said the initiative forms part of the state government’s commitment to ensuring that all recovered livestock are returned to their legitimate owners in a transparent, credible and accountable manner.

Mai Kwano said the committee would continue to collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to verify ownership claims, safeguard the rights of victims and prevent fraudulent claims.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure that victims of cattle rustling recover their property while strengthening confidence in the state’s efforts to tackle banditry and related crimes.

Residents of Gummi commended the state government for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would help alleviate the hardship suffered by families who lost their livestock to bandit attacks.

They expressed optimism that the exercise would restore hope to affected communities and encourage continued cooperation with security agencies in the fight against banditry.