Fifteen people were killed, while 11 others were kidnapped in Zamfara State when a security meeting between Governor Bello Matawalle, traditional rulers, security agents and religious leaders was being held at the Government House on Thursday.

Addressing the participants, Matawalle said he received phone calls that the bandits have killed 13 people and kidnapped 11 others in Bingi and Nahuche towns of Bungudu local government.

Matawalle also said two Fulani herdsmen were also slaughtered by the Yansakai in Maradun local government area.

He said, “As I am speaking to you right now, I received text messages that, 13 people were killed in Bingi and 11 others were kidnapped in Nahuche, all in the Bungudu Local Government Area.

“I also received another message just now that, some people are staging a demonstration between Anka and Jangebe.

“Another report reaching me right now indicated that the Yansakai have slaughtered two Fulani herdsmen in Maradun local government.”

Matawalle expressed surprise on how the bandits always attacked and killed people whenever he travelled out of the state.

“I wonder what is happening, but I am not surprised because I know that there are some politicians who are always happy to hear that some people are killed in Zamfara.

“Let me send a strong warning to them, that as from today, I will take a very drastic action against those politicians who are sabotaging our security efforts.”

He directed the Commissioner of Police to summon the Emir of Maradun, Alhaji Garba Tambari; and the Sarkin Arewan Maradun, Alhaji Bala, to explain how the two Fulani herdsmen were slaughtered.

Matawalle maintained that, he has done everything within his powers to end banditry through dialogue, lamenting, however, that “many people are against this peace process.”

Meanwhile, some bandits in separate attacks have killed four persons, including the Ward Head of Baranje village in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Three other persons were killed in the Giwa and Igabi LGAs.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the attacks on Thursday, said security agencies reported the killings of the four persons in Giwa, Chikun and Igabi local government areas.

He said in Baranje village in Chikun LGA, two persons were killed – Dogara Yahaya, the Ward Head of Baranje village, and Reuben Adamu.

He added that in Ungwan Sada in the Giwa LGA, bandits killed one Ibrahim Salisu after a failed attempt to kidnap him.