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Five Emirs, policemen, soldiers behind banditry in Zamfara, Panel says
Report by a committee established by the state government to find solutions to banditry and other security challenges in Zamfara State and headed by a former Inspector- General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, had revealed the sponsors of banditry and other insecurity challenges ravaging the state.
According to the report which was presented to the state governor, Bello Matawalle, in Gusau on Saturday, five Emirs in the state were involved in the spate of banditry in which 6,319 men and women were killed.
The report also said a total of 4,983 women were widowed, 25,050 children orphaned and 190,340 persons displaced by banditry over the period.
It added that innocent Fulani herdsmen lost 2,015 cattle, 141 sheep and goats, 2,600 donkeys and camels to rustlers while 147,800 vehicles, motorcycles, and others were burnt at different times and locations within the period.
It was also revealed that 33 districts and several village heads were also found to be working with the bandits.
According to the panel, 10 soldiers, some policemen and civil servants were discovered working with the bandits.
Read also: Ihedioha to pay pension arrears in Imo
The former IGP, however, said some security personnel and one emir distinguished themselves creditably in the protection of the people.
He said the committee had recommended that the emir be conferred with a national honour while the officers should be promoted to their next ranks.
The state governor, while receiving the report, said the state had planned to set up a N50 billion fund to support victims of banditry, especially orphans and widows.
He said the committee would manage the project.
He also commended the committee for a job well-done, saying the state government would not leave any stone unturned in the bid to make the state secure for the citizens.
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