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Politicians Behind Killings, Kidnappings, Others In North – Matawalle
Zamfara State Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged involvement of politicians working against the restoration of peace in the State.
Governor Matawalle who was seriously angry with Nigerian politicians told DAILY POST in a phone interview that politics now in Nigeria has become a do-or-die affair, saying that democracy is supposed to be ”the government of the people by the people.”
The Governor wondered why some people who claim to be the leaders of the masses would turn back and begin to kill, maim and kidnap those they falsely claim to be protecting.
Reacting to the recent attack on NDA, the governor said that no place in Nigeria was safe in the entire Northern region, calling for urgent action to address the ugly trend.
“It is unfortunate if the bandits can go up to NDA and kidnap the officers. I think the government has to look into it and maybe declare a state of emergency on security in the entire northern region.
“Some people have been calling on the government to declare a state of emergency on education and other sectors but the lives of the citizens are more valuable than education.
“I still insist that state of emergency has to be declared first on security so that the security personnel can be mobilised for more purposeful assignments in some parts of the country to deal with these criminals.
“If Zamfara to Sokoto could not be accessed due to insecurity, we are in trouble. Many of our rural areas are inaccessible as a result of banditry and the bandits have taken over many parts of the state.
” Even my administration’s jingles towards ending insecurity in the state has proved unsuccessful because politicians are sabotaging my efforts.
“Residents of the state should not see me as a leader that does not care for the people he is leading. Many people do not know that I am grieved over what is happening in my State.
“Just yesterday, we concluded with the repentant bandits to secure the release of the people that were kidnapped in Rini village; about 83 of them and people are there to receive them.
“We are working round the clock with the Police Commissioner on how to make people sleep with their two eyes closed but unfortunately some miscreants are still taking the laws into their hands”.
The Governor accused some politicians of supplying logistics to the bandits for political gains, pointing out that it was bad to play politics with security.
“I have been saying times without number that the issue of security is for all the citizens, not just for the security personnel or the government.
“But it is unfortunate that here in the North, some politicians are happy with what is happening because they think that when people are being killed, they have the chance to come out and campaign; to blackmail the sitting Governors, the President and other politicians.
Matawalle also accused social media handlers who are being used by what he described as disgruntled politicians to be posting negative content on the security situation in the State in order to create tension and confusion.
He called on the Police Commissioner to arrest such social media handlers and bring them to book to serve as deterrent to others.
“I asked the State police boss to take serious measures because sometimes, these people will post an attack even before it happens and after it happened. How did they know this?”
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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