Governor Yari says police failed to act on warning before attack

dimeji akinloye

February 16, 2018 10:30 PM

Yari said security agencies have failed to tackle the problem of cross border bandits and terrorists tormenting communities in Zamfara.

On the night of Wednesday, February 14, 2018, gunmen stormed Zurmi local government area of the state, killing 39 people.

Speaking on Friday, February 16, when he led five Northern Governors on a sympathy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Yari said the state government gave security agencies gave security agencies heads up 24 hours before the attack

He said the security operatives have failed to tackle the problem of cross border banditry and terrorism tormenting communities in the area.

He said, "Whatever humanly possible that needed to be done, we as a government have done to mitigate this disaster. But it does appear that security agencies are failing in their responsibilities.

"I feel let down facing the people of this state whenever I remember the promise I made to them that when they elect President Muhammadu Buhari into power, these killings will end. But unfortunately, things are now getting worse.

"As such, I urge you security agencies to up the ante so as not to lose this war. If you let us take issues on our hands, anarchy will reign which is not what we hope us.

"On this particular incidence, we had intelligence reports 24 hours before it happened that the bandits were grouping and ready to attack. I alerted the security agencies but unfortunately they sent inadequate personnel to confront these people from where they came from."

In his remarks, the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, buttressed Yari's submission.

He said if not for the bravery of vigilante groups who confronted the bandits, the casualty figures would have been higher.

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Recalling the incidents, the emir alleged that 600 bandits attempted to invade Zurmi but were repelled by vigilantes.

Emir Abubakar, who was said to be visibly angry, said, "They came on 200 motorcycles with three persons on each bike. Each of them was well-armed. We stationed 500 vigilante members who stood their ground and gallantly fought the bandits. Unfortunately, these same bandits turned their anger on travelers and other villagers on their way here, that was why we had 39 people killed.

"These terrorists are known to us. Their major hide-out is in a village called Kagara, very close to Bafarawa in Sokoto State, and a few kilometers from Shinkafi in Zamfara State. But despite several appeal to security agencies to storm the area, our appeals have failed.

"I need to state here that majority of weapons used by bad people in this country are brought in from this area. I had reason to personally inform Zamfara State Director of SSS sometimes back of a large cache of weapons being brought into the country but no concrete action was taken until the containers were moved away.

"I am happy that other Northern Governors are here because we believe the solution to this problem lies in cooperation among all of you.

"I don’t need to repeat here that we need a full battalion of soldiers here and in areas surrounding Maru, Maradun, Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs."

He added that the people have been pushed to the limit and a negative reaction from them will have a devastating consequence on the continued peaceful coexistence of all communities in the area.

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima urged the people not to lose patience.

He sympathized with the victims and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

Other Governors on the entourage, apart from Shettima and Yari, were Aminu Tambuwalof Sokoto, Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi and Umar Al-Makura of Nasarawa States.

dimeji akinloye

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