The Zamfara State Government has finally addressed the recent raid on the residence of former Governor Bello Matawalle.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that police officers searched the Gusau residence of the former governor on Friday morning.
In reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara alleged that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police also raided Matawalle’s residences in Gusau and his hometown of Maradun.
Accusing the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal of engaging in a witch-hunt, the APC asserted that if there were any issues against the former governor, he should be brought before the court.
However, in reaction to these claims, the Zamfara State Government has released a statement clarifying that stolen government property was indeed recovered during the operation.
This newspaper learnt that during the operation, more than 40 vehicles were recovered, including three bulletproof vehicles and eight SUVs.
According to Suleiman Idris, the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor, “The Zamfara State Government has provided clarification regarding the Nigeria Police Force’s operation, which resulted in the retrieval of vehicles looted by former State Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle.”
Idris continued, “In the early hours of Friday, the Nigeria Police Force conducted a search at the former governor’s residence, leading to the impoundment of over 40 vehicles. The police acted based on a court order, obtaining a search warrant for the operation. It should be noted that the Zamfara State Government officially communicated with former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy, requesting the return of all missing vehicles within five working days.”
He further added, “We also filed an official complaint with the police regarding the flagrant misappropriation of valuables, including official vehicles, which are of overriding public interest. As a result, the police sought and obtained a search warrant from the court, subsequently raiding Matawalle’s residence in Gusau, as well as Maradun Local Government and another undisclosed hideout.”
Idris emphasised the government’s commitment to retrieving all assets belonging to the people as part of their mission to rebuild and rescue Zamfara. He urged the residents of Zamfara to remain calm, assuring them of significant improvements in security and the ongoing efforts to address water scarcity in the state.
