Zuru Attack: Kebbi Govt Tackles Ex-AGF, Malami Over ‘Exaggerated’ Casualty Claims

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

The Kebbi State Government has expressed displeasure over the comments made by a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, accusing him of injecting political sentiments into sensitive security matters.

Chairman of the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, clarified that the attack was carried out by bandits who infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State to rustle cattle.

Malami had alleged that 200 people were killed in a recent bandit attack in Zuru Emirate, a claim the state government has dismissed as exaggerated and politically motivated.

But in separate statements, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmad, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, described Malami’s claims as “mischievous and laced with falsehood” aimed at gaining cheap political recognition.

“Malami’s sudden concern for Zuru feels like a bitter pill to swallow. From 2015 to 2023, he held one of Nigeria’s most powerful offices as Attorney General under (former) President (Muhammadu) Buhari. Yet during that period, while Zuru and other parts of Kebbi suffered repeated bandit attacks, there was no record of him visiting or even sending a letter of condolence.

“Now, he appears to be playing politics with security, exaggerating figures for effect,” the Commissioner for Information said.

Providing details of the incident, the Chairman of the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, clarified that the attack was carried out by bandits who infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State to rustle cattle.

“The bandits first invaded Seme village, where they stole cattle, then proceeded to Kyebu for the same purpose,” Bena said.

“In addition to rustling cattle, they broke into traders’ shops and looted food items. On their way back to their camp across the border, the bandits shot and killed six people in Seme village, murdered eight more in ‘Yar Kuka village, and set 10 houses on fire.

“In total, 14 people were killed in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. Information from the neighbouring town of Tadurga in Zuru Local Government Area indicated that the attackers also rustled cattle, looted shops, and killed 16 more residents while retreating.

“In all, 30 people lost their lives in the coordinated attack, with an unspecified number of cattle stolen,” Bena stated.

Malami had last week expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Argungu and Zuru Emirates of Kebbi State.

In a short video released in Birnin Kebbi, Malami criticised the government’s inability to safeguard lives and property.

“I wonder how the Federal Government is not doing enough to protect the lives and properties of citizens, let alone the state and local governments.

“Security issues should not be politicised. Strange systems of insecurity have emerged in Kebbi, which are very disturbing and alarming.”

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