The Zamfara Concerned Citizens Forum has urged the return of former governor, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, as Governor of Zamfara State in 2027, citing his “unmatched achievements” in restoring peace and security during his previous tenure.
In a statement signed by the Forum’s secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Marafa, the group said Matawalle’s leadership marked a decisive turning point in Zamfara’s fight against banditry, kidnapping and communal unrest.
Marafa noted that Matawalle inherited a state “deeply wounded by fear and insecurity”, yet within two years, he achieved what many considered impossible — rebuilding public confidence and restoring calm across the state.
According to the Forum, the Matawalle administration provided 200 new operational vehicles to security agencies and sustained a monthly imprest to support their operations. He also established a Standing Committee on Peace and Intelligence to enhance collaboration and secured the deployment of 850 additional police personnel by the Inspector General of Police.
His government launched Operations Puff Adder I and II, which deployed 275 mobile police officers to flashpoints. Through a mix of dialogue and decisive action, 1,218 kidnapped victims were rescued, including 279 abducted Jangebe schoolgirls, while over 10,000 rustled animals were recovered and returned to their owners.
The Forum also hailed Matawalle’s disarmament initiative, which led to the voluntary surrender of hundreds of weapons — including AK-47 rifles, rocket launchers, and machine guns — by repentant bandits. Similarly, 887 locally made arms were surrendered by vigilante groups (Yansakai) as part of his peace and reconciliation efforts.
Marafa added that Matawalle initiated the Ruga Settlement Project in Maradun, which reached 90 per cent completion, to foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders and address the roots of the conflict.
“Dr Bello Matawalle’s era was the turning point for Zamfara’s quest for lasting peace. He was a leader who listened, acted, and genuinely cared for the safety of every citizen,” the statement read.
The Forum lamented that insecurity had worsened since Matawalle’s exit, leaving many communities vulnerable again. It therefore called on Zamfara citizens to rally behind the former governor in 2027 to continue his mission of peace, stability and development.
“Zamfara needs a leader with proven capacity and results — not empty promises. The return of Dr Bello Matawalle is the only realistic path to restoring peace and rebuilding our state,” it added.