Banditry: Yari recovers 10 Ak-47 rifles with N10m

Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari yesterday said a total of 10 AK-47 assault rifles have been recovered from bandits in the state following the introduction of N1m reward for anyone who recovers an AK-47.

Yari had in November this year introduced a policy whereby anybody who recovers an AK-47 from bandits is given a reward of N1m.

Speaking to State House reporters after a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, he said so far 10 AK-47 rifles have been recovered from bandits in the state.

Yari, who is the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, said more traditional rulers in Zamfara have been fingered in banditry. Seven traditional rulers were deposed last weekend in the state.

Asked whether more traditional rulers would be sacked, he said: “Of course! Absolutely! If you are talking about general public we are almost getting to 5 million and the total number of traditional rulers is about 300, so if we find any one! Anyone! Underline the word ‘anyone,’ found wanting, he would go”

He faulted the call for the declaration of State of Emergency in Zamfara over banditry, saying the insecurity was not peculiar to the state alone.

“Are there not killing of security officers anywhere else in the Nigeria, except Zamfara? Why shouldn’t they call for that in the other places,” Yari said.