Wanted Bandit’s Turbaning: Zamfara Govt Sanctions Emir
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Following widespread public condemnation, the Zamfara State Government has suspended the Emir of Sabon Birnin Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, Aliyu Garba Marafa, for turbaning a notorious ‘wanted’ bandits’ leader, Adamu Aliero, as Sarkin Fulani (Leader of Fulani).
A statement to that effect was signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kabiru Balarabe, and made available to newsmen on Sunday night, saying; “This is to inform the general public that the Zamfara State Government has dissociated itself from the alleged turbaning of a Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area”.
“In this regard, the State Executive Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON (Shattiman Sokoto) has directed for suspension of the Emir with immediate effect.
“Accordingly, the Executive Governor has approved the appointment of a Committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the action of the Emir.
“In the meantime, Alhaji Mahe Garba Marafa, who is the District Head of ‘Yandoto is hereby assigned to take charge of the affairs of the Emirate.”
The suspended Emir had in a colourful ceremony last Saturday, July 16, 2022, conferred the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani on Aliero, who is on the most wanted list of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). But surprisingly, it was the same officers and men of the Nigeria Police that provided Aliero with a high-profile security escort at the ceremony.
In the letter conveying Aleru’s appointment as the new Sarkin Fulani Yandoton Daji, the Emir said the turbaning was in line with the demand for peace and reconciliation efforts highly needed for the people in the Emirate, Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State, and Nigeria as a whole.
