A delegation from the National Commission for Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees, NCFR, has visited Zamfara State on a fact-finding mission towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering internal displacements in the state.
Led by Buhari Bagiwa (Barden Gabas of Katsina), the delegation visited a lot of flashpoints including Maradun, Anka and Zurmi.
In a statement on Tuesday by Zailani Bappa, the SSA on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications to the governor, the delegation promised to do everything possible to provide succour to the displaced persons in the state.
According to Mr Bagiwa, the delegation visited Sokoto and Katsina and had seen orphans, widows and dejected people who needed help and assistance.
He, therefore, commended Governor Bello Matawalle for the peace process he initiated as well as his efforts at catering for the displaced people in the state.
“Peace is not negotiable. If the only thing your administration does is to bring peace, then you have justified your mandate,” Mr Bagiwa submitted.
In his reaction, Governor Matawalle said he decided on the peace process because he realised that firepower alone was not the only means of achieving peace in the state.
According to him, the result is now there for everyone to judge.
He listed some of these achievements to include the release of over 300 abducted persons and the absence of further abductions or clashes within the period.
“The peace accord has also led to the re-opening of all markets that were hitherto closed due to lack of peace,” Mr Matawalle disclosed.
Significantly, he said, the major roads that were also abandoned have now been re-opened which include Colony to Jibia and Funtua to Birnin-Gari.
Also, of remarkable note is the release of ten Nigeriens and one Ghanaian.
Governor Matawalle further assured that his administration would push the peace process to a logical conclusion and also build the Ruga Settlements he has promised as part of the aftermath of the crisis in the state.
He, therefore, called for the assistance of the Federal Government and all well-meaning Nigerians in that regard.
