The Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Mallam Mummuni Masamar Mudi (Matawallen Bukkuyum), has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening community security and peacebuilding across Zamfara and Katsina States.
He stated this on Tuesday at the opening of a Regional Meeting on Empowering Community Security for stakeholders from both states, organised by the Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI) in collaboration with the NEEM Foundation and Karuna Centre for Peacebuilding.
The event was held at the Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, Gusau.Speaking on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal, the Deputy Governor described the initiative as timely and commendable, noting that both states have continued to face challenges of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, drug abuse and other violent crimes.
He said the meeting aims to strengthen collaboration between communities, local authorities and security agencies; develop a regional action plan for the Early Warning and Early Response Network; and build trust among key stakeholders.
Mani Mummuni also expressed hope that the engagement would produce actionable recommendations and identify focal persons to drive sustained coordination in both states.He highlighted key efforts of the Zamfara State Government toward restoring peace, including the establishment of the Community Protection Guards across all 14 LGAs, the creation of the State Security Trust Fund, and the procurement of patrol vehicles, motorcycles, communication gadgets and other equipment to support security operations.
He also disclosed that the state has commenced the process of enacting an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) law.
The Deputy Governor commended VAI and its partners for supporting peace and stability initiatives and assured them of the government’s continued cooperation.
Earlier, the Executive Director of VAI, Musa Aboki, said the organisation has resolved over 500 community disputes in 16 months through dialogue-driven Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, under the ongoing 18-month peacebuilding programme.
Participants at the meeting included traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, community leaders, peace committees and media representatives from Zamfara and Katsina states.
Representing the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, the Emir of Kaura Namoda, Dr. Sanusi Muhammad Ahmad Asha, said traditional rulers remain committed to ensuring peace and stability in their communities.
Security representatives from the Police, DSS and NSCDC also called for stronger intelligence sharing and community cooperation to enhance security operations in the region.
