The Honourable Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle (Maradun), has extended his condolences to the people of Maru over the tragic killing of the Chief Imam of Maru Juma’at Mosque, Alkali Salihu Suleiman.
The revered Islamic scholar was murdered in cold blood alongside two of his children by armed bandits who had abducted them two months earlier.
In a condolence message delivered through a high-powered delegation, Dr. Matawalle prayed for Allah’s mercy on the souls of the deceased and for strength for their family and the entire Maru community to bear the loss.
Expressing deep sorrow, the Minister condemned the increasing trend of targeting religious leaders in the ongoing wave of armed banditry in Zamfara.
“As Minister of Defence and APC leader in the state, I assure you that the Federal Government is taking decisive action. We will continue deploying security personnel and necessary resources to ensure the complete elimination of these criminal elements,” he stated.
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Matawalle noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided the military with modern equipment to intensify the fight against banditry, adding that peace will soon return to the region.
He called on citizens to support security agencies with timely and accurate intelligence, stressing that the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility that transcends political or religious affiliations.
The Minister’s condolence message was delivered by the Secretary of the APC in Zamfara State, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, who led a powerful delegation to Maru.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between state governments in the North-West and the Federal Government to decisively crush banditry and restore lasting peace.
As part of his support to the bereaved family, the Minister donated N5 million in cash, along with 10 bags of rice, 10 cartons of spaghetti, and 10 cartons of macaroni.
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Receiving the delegation, the Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Gado Maigari, who is also a relative of the deceased Imam, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his consistent concern for the people of Zamfara. He prayed for Allah’s continued protection, guidance, and blessings upon Matawalle.
The Minister’s delegation included several top APC stalwarts and former public officials, among them Alhaji Hamisu Habibu Kasuwar Daji (APC Financial Secretary), Alhaji Isah Maigemu, Hajiya Afiyatu Suleiman (State APC Woman Leader), Alhaji Hussaini Suleiman Shagrewa, Hon. Sanusi Mohammed Sarki (Former Sole Administrator, Gusau LG), Hon. Bashir Madaro (Former Commissioner for Education), Hon. Abdulrahman Bala Shinkafi (Former Chairman, Shinkafi LG), Hon. Lawali Abubakar Zannah (Former Commissioner for Special Duties), Alhaji Abdullahi Sauro Kanoma (APC Ex-Officio), Alhaji Yakubu Gado Mayanchi (Maru LG APC Chairman), Alhaji Isah Umar Tambuwal (Former ZASIEC Chairman), Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi Shinkafi (Former Special Adviser), Hon. Shehu J. Muhammad (Assistant APC Welfare Secretary), Hon. Ibrahim Maaji Admin, Alhaji Ali Gidan Kaso (APC Assistant Treasurer), Hon. Ibrahim Dankulodo, and Alhaji Nasiru Magaji Karfa, among others.
This was contained in a statement signed by Yusuf Idris Gusau, Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Zamfara State.
