Defence Minister, Matawalle, Explains Negotiating with Bandits

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in an interview granted, has explained why he chose to negotiate with bandits during his reign as Zamfara Governor.

While speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, he posited that state residents urded him on this course of action.

The Minister, however, said that, when he became Governor, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders offered him words of counsel regarding the issue of banditry.

“Yes, I initiated the reconciliation dialogue. Of course, when I became governor, I assessed the scenario — what is happening? Why are bandits killing people?

“So I considered the best way to address the situation. I received advice from various quarters, leading me to convene a meeting with all stakeholders at the time, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and the leaders of the Fulani and Asa clans,” Matawalle began.

He insited that, based on expert advice from the security agencies and advice from other leaders in the state, he decided that the best approach was to bring the bandits to the negotiation table.

“I listened to each group individually. After our discussions, I gathered the state’s security agencies, which include the Army, police, DSS, immigration, and civil defence. Based on recommendations from the people of the state and traditional rulers, we determined that the best solution at the time was to engage in dialogue with the bandits, and it was a success,” he revealed.

Matawallle’s clarifications come in light of several allegations that he sponsored bandits in the state.

There are many other reports of the Minister hosting bandits in the state house on many occassions while as Governor of the state.