Invoking the Muslim holy book, the Qu’ran, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, on Sunday called on every indigene of Zamfara State who claims for an end to insecurity in the state should repeat exactly what he had to say: “That If I Bello Matawalle is a party to, or have a knowledge of, or is enjoying the situation, or has a knowledge of the perpetrators of this act, may Almighty Allah make it impossible for me know mercy, even for a second.
He curiously called on everyone from former intelligence chief and National Security Adviser (NSA) General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau downwards to repeat exactly the words of his oath.
Other reports said he invited former Governor, Ahmed Sani Yerima and others to do same.
He also challenged residents of the state, irrespective of their status, to do the same to prove that they have no hand in the security challenges bedevilling the state.
He gave the challenge in Gusau, the state capital while receiving an award as the Khadimul Quran conferred on him by the Centre for Quranic Reciter, Nigeria.
“I have sworn with the Holy Quran that if I know, or if I am part of, or I know anybody who is coordinating this (banditry), or with my hand or any of my family, may Allah not give me (speaks in Arabic) in this life,” he was quoted by Channels TV to have said.
Governor Matawalle added, “I dare all the people from Zamfara State, from our father, Aliyu Gusau to Yarima Bakura and all the cabinet members, right from the inception of the political dispensation of the state, to take this oath as I did.”
He explained that in taking up the challenge, it would be easy for residents to identify those behind the prevailing insecurity and ensure peace was restored in the state.
The governor described the present security situation as worrisome, despite efforts to tackle the menace.
He stressed that as the Chief Security Officer of Zamfara, he would do everything possible to provide a secured and peaceful environment.
“As I’ve been mentioning, the issue of insecurity is not just for Federal Government, governor or other security agencies; the issue of insecurity is for all of us, and we should not politicise the issue of insecurity.
He explained that in taking up the challenge, it would be easy for residents to identify those behind the prevailing insecurity and ensure peace was restored in the state.
Governor Matawalle said it was important for residents to be able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of anyone harming them.
He assured the people of his administration’s commitment to addressing the lingering security challenges in Zamfara in the north-west region of the country