A repentant leader of bandits in Zamfara State, Ado Aleru, was on Saturday, 16 July 2022, turbaned as Sarkin Fulani (Chief of Fulanis) of Yandoto Emirate by the Emir of Yandoto Daji Emirate, Aliyu Garba Marafa.
The spokesperson of the emirate, Lawali Magaji, said the title of Sarkin Fulani was conferred on Aleru considering his present status as a peace-maker within the emirate.
He added that with this development, Aleru now has more power to control, and checkmate the activities of bandits within the emirate.
He said, “He has been trying to stop banditry within the emirate and we have seen positive changes.
“The conferment of the title of Sarkin Fulani on Adamu Aliero will give him more power to control the entire Fulani people within the emirate. It will also enable him to checkmate the activities of the recalcitrant bandits and take action against them.”
The ceremony, which was well-attended by several bandit group leaders and lieutenants, however, generated public outcry and outrage after the news, alongside photos of the ceremony went viral on social media.
Reacting to the development, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State distanced itself from all the processes and announced the suspension of the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Marafa, with immediate effect.
The Secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Sardauna, announced the suspension in a statement on Sunday, 17 July.
Apart from suspending the emir, Governor Matawalle approved the appointment of a six-man committee chaired by Yahaya Chado Gora to investigate the circumstances leading to the action of the Emir.
He also assigned the District Head of ‘Yandoto, Alh. Mahe Garba Marafa, to take charge of the affairs of the emirate.
