Matawalle Condoles With Zamfara Communities Over Bandits’ Attacks

The former Governor of Zamfara state, Dr. Bello Muhammad, Matawalle Maradun, has condoled with the people of Maru and Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara State, over the recent bandits’ attacks. Matallela said he received with shock, the news of recent attacks of marauding bandits in their numbers, killing innocent people and abducted several others, and left many with various degree of injuries. The former governor said he was saddened by the news of the attacks and called on the people of various communities in the state to report any suspicious movements of the bandits to security agencies. This is contained in a statement by the media coordinating office of the former governor, signed by the Coordinator, Ibrahim Dosara. It said “on behalf of myself, my family and political gladiators, I would like to extend my deep sympathy and condolences to Maru and Kaura Namoda Emirates; local government councils and indeed, the Zamfara State Government over these ugly attacks, killings and kidnapping of innocent lives across the two local government areas.  “I must say we are utterly shocked and dismayed at the terrible human loss incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues. May Almighty Allah ease your pain and grant you patience. “We are all terribly sorry to witness the mindless acts of banditry in the two local government areas and other parts of the state, resulting in so much death and destruction. No words are enough to condemn such acts.  “Let me hope that the state government and the detachment of troops the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government deployed to the state, along with other security operatives will work together, assert themselves, and ensure that such callous and barbaric attacks, killings and kidnappings are stopped in all parts of the state.  “We share the grief of our countrymen and offer our sympathies. “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and other victims of the attacks.  “My thoughts and prayers go out to the relatives of those who were killed in the latest waves of the tragic attacks.  “I write to you on behalf of my family and political associates to express our shock, horror and profound distress at the appalling events and tragic loss of life in the two local government areas and beyond.  “What happened was a dreadful blow to us all and to the civilized values which we share and cherish. “I am deeply shocked and filled with grief over the terrible atrocity and losses brought on to your respective communities and people. “The unbelievable disregard to our community values, of human life and dignity, that exhibited in the ferocious plans behind these acts comes as a horrifying awareness to all of us, a threat to humanity and humankind.  “All of us have been impressed by the courage and dedication of our security operatives and rescue workers, and for the dignity and resilience which lies behind the commitment and determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, to prevail against such monstrous evil. “We, who value democracy and freedom, stand shoulder to shoulder with the the government of Zamfara state at this time.” “As the son of the soil and the minister of state, Defence, I would like to reassure you of my commitment and resilience to implement the far-reaching decisions and policies of the Tinubu administration to defeat these monsters and to bring back the lost glory of our dear state in particular and the country in general.”

FG Working On Safe Resettlement Of IDPs, Others, Matawalle Assures UN

The Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has assured the Representative of the United Nations that the Federal Government is working out modalities to resettle returnees and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria to a safe and better living condition. The Minister gave this assurance when the Representative of United Nations Mines Action Services paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 24th October 2023 in Ship House Abuja.  Matawalle said that Federal Government would partner with UNMAS in working out a workable solution in reintegrating IDPs and farmers into society for better life. “We need to redesign action plan for the IDP returnees and farmers to go back to their farms,” he said.  According to him there was the need for Federal Government to provide essential technical support for the establishment of a national mine action centre in the North East and extend it to North West where incidence of insurgency has increased. “Such centre will afford the IDPs the opportunity to return to their Communities and have access to quality education.” The representative of the United Nations Mines Action Services to Nigeria, Edwin Faigmane, said that the UNMAS is to collaborate with the Nigerian Army to secure success for Mines Action Services Operations in Nigeria.  Furthermore, he stated that there was need to conduct Technical Surveys to identify hazardous areas that need to be safe before any other activities could take place. Edwin commended the Minister for the audience and requested that they count on Government’s support in identifying areas of collaboration.

COAS, Matawalle present as military lays 22 slain officers to rest

A somber atmosphere enveloped the National Military Cemetery in Abuja as military personnel, led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, along with grieving family members and friends, gathered to pay their final respects to fallen comrades who lost their lives in Niger State. The burial ceremony held special significance as it paid tribute to 36 officers who were tragically killed in action, including an air mission, on August 14, as reported by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ). The solemn event commenced with the arrival of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, who arrived at approximately 9:46am. In attendance alongside him were Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and several other service chiefs. The combined presence of high-ranking officials, military personnel, and the bereaved families underscored the gravity of the occasion. It is noteworthy that some of the deceased officers had already been laid to rest by their families. The ceremony included a roll call of the military personnel who were to be interred, commemorating their dedication and sacrifice. The list includes: LATE MAJOR SA ONI LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ANTHONY DURYUMSU LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT IBRAHIM ADAMU LATE LIEUTENANT GM ODUSAMI LATE LIEUTENANT US ALKALI LATE SERGEANT FARUK MOHAMMED LATE CORPORAL IBRAHIM GARBA LATE CORPORAL CIROMA POGU LATE CORPORAL ADAMA ISAAC LATE CORPORAL HARUNA JAMILU LATE CORPORAL SAMAILA BASHIRU LATE ABLE SEAMAN SULEIMAN MK (NIGERIAN NAVY) LATE CORPORAL JAURU AMOS (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE) LATE LANCE CORPORAL SUNDAY OKOPI LATE LANCE CORPORAL EKPANYO EDET LATE LANCE CORPORAL ABARIBE DANIEL (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE) LATE LANCE CORPORAL BRIGGS STEPHEN (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE) LATE LANCE CORPORAL YAKUBU AYUBA LATE LANCE CORPORAL NURA MOHAMMED LATE PRIVATE HABIB ALIYU LATE PRIVATE TANKO WAJE LATE AIRCRAFTMAN ABUBAKAR ABDULRAHAMAN (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE) The ceremony stood as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals in the line of duty. Their commitment and dedication to Nigeria will forever be remembered, as their names echo in the hearts of those who gathered to honour their memory. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.