Zamfara youth group: Reports linking Matawalle to bandits a recycled lie

The Zamfara Youth Network (ZYN) has dismissed a publication alleging that Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, is working with bandits in the state.

The group said the report alleging that the minister gave vehicles to bandits and maintains communication with terrorists is “a complete and malicious lie from beginning to end”.

Speaking in Gusau, the state capital, on Thursday, Musa Usman, who addressed the media on behalf of the group, said the allegation is a desperate attempt to undermine what he described as the minister’s “outstanding results” since assuming office.

The youth organisation said no vehicles were ever given to bandits under Matawalle’s tenure as governor or as minister.

“These are recycled lies that were investigated and thrown away by security agencies years ago,” Usman said.

“Every single bandit leader mentioned in the story is already dead – neutralised by the same military operations Matawalle is directing right now. Dead men cannot drive Hilux vehicles and they cannot chat on WhatsApp.”

The group also said the reported whistle-blower is unknown to any government structure.

“We have checked the payrolls from 2019 to 2023. No aide with that description ever existed. The story is pure fiction designed to distract Nigerians from the fact that Zamfara is enjoying its best peace in over a decade because of Matawalle’s aggressive push against terrorists,” Usman said.

The youth network accused politicians who are “losing grip in Zamfara and across the north-west” of sponsoring the allegations.

The group said individuals sidelined by the people are using foreign-based outlets to “fight their battles”.

“2027 is coming and they know Zamfara will never vote for anyone who once negotiated with killers. So they are using this to throw mud at the one man who has brought real peace to our state,” Usman said.

“Matawalle has done what nobody before him could do. Markets are open again, schools are full, farmers sleep on their farms without fear. Bandits are running or dying every week. This is the success some people cannot swallow, so they pay bloggers in America to vomit lies.”

The network warned that politicians “romancing the old failed strategy of blackmail” will be exposed and rejected by youths and women in the state.

“I speak for every youth in Zamfara when I say: Minister Matawalle is working day and night with our gallant soldiers. He visits the troops, he brings equipment, he brings morale,” Usman added.

“The peace we enjoy today is because of him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Anybody insulting Matawalle is insulting the blood of our soldiers and the tears of our mothers.

“To the failed politicians hiding behind this lie, your time is finished. The youths and women of Zamfara are now awake. We will defend this peace with our lives.

“Thank you, President Tinubu. Thank you, Minister Matawalle. Because of you, our children now go to school without paying ransom. We will never allow liars to drag your name in the mud.”