Zamfara State Government has denied an alleged bandit attack in Maradun Local Government Area, the home town of Governor Bello Matawalle.
Setting the records straight, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, explained that there was an operation by security operatives in the area.
“Indeed, there was an operation by the Security operatives in Maradun Local Government Area due to authentic intelligence report indicating that some unscrupulous villagers were hiding bandits in their homes which were successfully fished out with precision,” the statement read.
It, therefore, debunked reports by certain online media, claiming that the bandits had allegedly killed dozens of residents.
“It must be made clear that no innocent civilian casualties were recorded in the operation.
“However, in their haste to report lies and ridicule the government and security operatives, these media twisted the incident in their reports to favour those who are against the peaceful existence of Zamfara state.
“While the Daily Post said the attack left unspecified number of people dead, the Control TV put the number of the dead at 50 persons.
“No doubt, this reports exemplify one of the highest instances of gutter and irresponsible journalism, propelled by total lack of professionalism,” the statement explained.
The statement, therefore, advised all media organisations to be wary of falling into the hands of “disgruntled and unpatriotic elements” on the security situation in the state.
The state government on its part assured that it would no longer fold its arms and allow “irresponsible elements to continue jeopardising the successes being recorded in bringing permanent peace to the state”.
