Zamfara State Government has announced that over 3,000 rustled animals recovered by security forces have so far been returned to their rightful owners through the efforts of a 20-man committee established by Governor Dauda Lawal 15 months ago.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, disclosed this in Gusau while receiving members of the committee responsible for managing and returning recovered animals, which is chaired by Sheikh Saidu Aliyu Maikwano.
Malam Nakwada revealed that the committee also remitted about N120 million into the coffers of the Zakkat and Endowment Board as proceeds from auctioning animals that had overstayed in custody, in line with established guidelines.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring all rustled animals recovered by security operatives are returned to their rightful owners, as part of efforts to promote justice and restore livelihoods affected by banditry.
“This meeting is aimed at developing more effective and efficient strategies for the success of the committee’s assignment, especially now that security forces are making gains in clearance operations across the state,” the SSG stated.
He emphasized the vital role of the committee in Governor Lawal’s restitution efforts, which seek to foster community resilience and promote peaceful conflict resolution.
“Your assignment is very special and critical, as it aims to restore hope to victims who lost their wealth to ruthless cattle rustlers by returning their legitimate property,”
“The state government, under the able leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, is committed to providing all necessary support for your effective functioning.”
“On behalf of Governor Lawal, Nakwada commended the security agencies, who are adequately represented in the committee, for their unwavering efforts in combating banditry and other forms of criminality. He noted that the positive results of their work are beginning to show”
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the SSG, Sulaiman Ahmad Tudu, the Chairman of the committee, Sheikh Saidu Maikwano, expressed appreciation to the SSG for his effective supervision and thanked the state government for its continued support.
REL/AMINU DALHATU.
