Banditry: Saraki Condemns Latest Zamfara Attacks, Sues For Peace
- As Gov Matawalle confirms 58 deaths
Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has condemned as ‘tragic’ the latest attacks by bandits that left about 58 persons dead in Zamfara State at the weekend.
Saraki, who expressed sadness over the killing of some villagers by terrorists in the North West State, said only time-tested peace could help transform the country’s economy for the overall good of all citizens. 
In a statement by Olu Onemola through his media office, the former Number three man described as ‘terrible’ the killings and destruction visited on both Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas of Zamfara by the terrorist group.
Senator Saraki said; “We owe the families and all other affected communities across the nation a brighter future”, adding; “My heart goes out to the families and communities that have experienced the tragic loss and injury of loved ones, the destruction of their property, and the interruption of their livelihoods.”
Recalling how in 2013, during the #SaveBagega lead poisoning crisis, he engaged with the people of Anka council, a determined and resilient community that worked hard to build a buoyant local economy, the former Senate President said; “Today, that same vibrant community has become a place of carnage.
“My heart is heavy, and truly there’s anger too because we cannot continue like this. We must find long-lasting solutions to this insecurity. We will, In sha Allah. I believe that this brighter future is possible because I have experienced firsthand the desire and enthusiasm that the people in Anka, Bukkuyum, and other similar communities have shown for a better life and a more secure future.
“It is my prayer that with lasting peace and determined leadership, a place like Anka can one day become one of the highest income per capita communities in Nigeria. However, for this to happen, we must be decisive, thorough, and relentless about securing the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has confirmed that 58 persons were killed and five communities set ablaze by fleeing armed bandits.
Responding to questions from newsmen on Saturday evening shortly a condolence visit to Emirs of Bukkuyum and Anka over the attacks in their respective emirates in the state, the governor said promised to make all necessary arrangements to secure and restore peace in the affected communities.
He also gave directives to the Committee on damage assessment to urgently provide details of required items needed to repair affected houses.
Speaking during the visit, Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed, and his Bukkuyum counterpart, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, confirmed that 36 people were killed in Bukkuyum while 22 were killed in Anka.
According to Alhaji Ahmed, 22 persons were confirmed dead within Anka emirate in the district of Waramu, while the 21 others, earlier reported as having died in the attack, were found taking refuge in Talata Mafara.
He also disclosed that four out of seven affected communities in the area were set ablaze, adding; “Although not all the houses of those communities were burnt, the Committee on assessment will bring up details of the damage and losses recorded from the attacks,” he added.
In his submission, the Emir of Bukkuyum confirmed the killing of 36 people in the Kurfa Dunya community of Bukkuyum Local Government, noting that the community was also set ablaze with a majority of the houses burnt.
Reports indicated that the bandits, fleeing the area due to ongoing military operations, tried escaping with a large number of animals by attacking vulnerable villages in the two local government areas.
