Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara said their proposed policy of issuing two cows for one AK-47 surrendered by repentant bandits has not been implemented since the declaration was made considering some optional threats the decision may caused on the ongoing peace effort in the state.
He made declarationon during a BBC Hausa programme “A Fada A Chika” on Friday.
“At the beginning of the peace deal, the bandits said the weapons are the only instruments they have to defend them selves and despite consideration of their fear we thought it would be dangerous to offer them money in return of their weapons surrendered and instead we declared that we shall give them two cows in place of one AK-47 surrendered” Matawalle added.
The Governor further said, his government realized that, even the cow policy may not go well since some smart bandits may likely sale the cows and procure another weapons and instead they decided to put a hold on the initiative for sometimes.
The Governor said since when he made the declaration, not a single cow was issued to any repentant bandit due to the fear raised by the stakeholders.
Matawalle explained further that, instead the government intensified effort in pushing the RUGA project to the logical conclusion so that every Fulani herder can owned a house, well furnished and secured as well with beffiting facilities that will make their living comfortable.
He said his government is making effort to make sure that all flash point areas where bandits operate are provided with operational soldiers as well as vehicles to enable them respond to any distressed calls by communities under bandits attack.
Matawalle said only ungreatful citizen of Zamfara will not appreciate the relative peace enjoyed by the people of Zamfara State and that, his government will not relent in its effort to securing Zamfara State and it’s people.
