Zamfara governor suspends third traditional ruler ‘involved in banditry’

Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara, has approved the suspension of Atiku Abubakar, emir of Zurmi, over his alleged involvement in banditry.

The suspension came hours after the attack on Kadawa village in Zurmi LGA, where more than 90 persons were reportedly killed by bandits.

Kabiru Balarabe, acting secretary to the state government, said on Saturday that the governor has also set up a committee to investigate the traditional ruler’s alleged links with bandits.

He said in a statement that the committee has Ibrahim Wakkala, a former deputy governor of the state, as chairman, while Musa Shinkafi, permanent secretary of the ministry of security and home affairs, will serve as the secretary.

Representatives of the police, the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)n are also members of the committee.

Balarabe also said the committee was asked to submit its report in three weeks.

He further quoted the governor as asking communities in the state to defend themselves against all forms of attacks.

Abubakar’s suspension brings to three the number of traditional rulers suspended in Zamfara for allegedly working with bandits in the troubled state.

Others who had been suspended over the issue include Hussaini Umar, emir of Dansadau, and Bello Kiyawa, district head of Nasarawa Mailayi.