Gov stresses collective fight against insecurity

Meeting of the bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji and the community leaders in the Northwest known as the Northwest Operation Safe Corridor Peace Process has led to the release of 100 captives as part of a renewed peace initiative in Zamfara State.

Security sources revealed that the freedom came as a result of the ongoing dialogue between the bandits’ leader and the community leaders, saying it is a confidence-building effort.

The kidnapped victims, who include men, women, and children, were handed over to local authorities and taken to a hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.

The Guardian gathered that the release was part of an agreement with Turji’s camp to embrace peace and stop terror attacks on communities.

It was also learnt that 36 people were initially released, followed by eight others, bringing the number to 46, before the remaining captives were freed, totalling over 100.

According to the source, the bandits’ kingpin had agreed to free more captives as discussions continued between Turji’s camp and the community leaders.

It was also gathered that security operatives are monitoring the development to ensure the credibility of the peace process and prevent other groups from wreaking more havoc.

Also, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reminded stakeholders that the fight against insecurity is a collective obligation.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Suleiman Idris Bala, the governor said the State Executive Council discussed important issues, including security, education, health, and infrastructural development.

In his opening remarks, the governor said: “I would like to remind us of our collective obligations in this administration concerning the fight against insecurity.

“We have made significant progress and succeeded in restoring relative calm to most areas of the state. The terror of bandits has been crippled, unlike in previous years.”