As Zamfara sanctioned traditional rulers over alleged ties with bandits
In a rare decision, the Zamfara State government came hard on some traditional rulers with alleged links with bandits terrorizing the state.
It was a strange development when the Zamfara State Government announced the deposition of two and suspension of two other district heads over alleged links with suspected armed bandits and cattle rustlers in the state.
Their sack sent shock waves to many people in their domain, the state and the nation for monarchs who are expected to protect the people are the ones turning against their own.
The state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Bello Dankande Gamji, who made the announcement, said any traditional ruler found wanting would not be spared.
The district heads of Ruwan Gora in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Alhaji Ishaq Sadiq and that of Gwalli in Gummi Local Government Area Alhaji Musa Gwalli were deposed. District heads of Gyadu and Tungar Dutse were suspended. Alhaji Dankande Gamji said investigations into their activities and links with suspected armed bandits had commenced.
According to him, the state government was determined to get rid of the criminal elements and their cohorts and have directed all the 14 local government chairmen to fully take charge of security issues in their respected local councils.
He said whether the traditional ruler is an Emir, District, Village, Ward head or anyone found aiding the activities of armed bandits or kidnappers in the state would be dethroned and prosecuted.
The Commissioner also pointed out that all the local government chairmen should suspend all projects with the exception of that of education, health and water and then accord security of lives and property highest priority.
An official of the ministry for local government and chieftaincy affairs who craved for anonymity said it was not established finally whether the monarchs have links with gunmen or not.
He said: “They are with security operatives and investigation has commenced. It is after the conclusion of the investigation that the next line of action would be taken.”
However, sources at the districts told Daily Trust on Sunday that for a long time there have been series of allegations on the traditional rulers’ link with suspected armed bandits and the