“They Deserve No Mercy”, Matawalle Justifies Death Penalty For Bandits

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle has justified the death penalty approved for anyone convicted of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, or cultism in the state.

Matawalle spoke on Wednesday during a television interview.

According to him, the state government has tried several approaches towards curbing banditry in the state, but such measures were not 100 percent successful.

“God knows I have adopted so many options for this crisis to leave the state, but unfortunately, there are good and bad people in any society,” he said.

He then added that death penalty is the best option, adding that it will help to protect the people from further attacks.

“Death penalty will work. I have signed it. Anyone found guilty will face the law. The death penalty might not be popular, but those killing people, is it popular?” he asked.

Speaking on the directive for residents to arm themselves, the governor said bandits deserve no mercy.

“Why I said everyone should get a weapon is because these bandits are like animals. How can you see someone farming, and then go and kill him?” he asked.

“If we say our people should not carry arms, who will go and confront the bandits if not the people? Those who are saying the directive is bad, why can’t they go and save our people?

“As a governor, I can’t fold my arms and see my people being killed every day. It’s not possible. It’s one of the primary responsibilities of the governor to protect the lives and property of his people”, he added.