Tinubu and Matawalle Receive Praise as Zamfara Celebrates a Peaceful Eid al‑Kabir

Onuminya Innocent

Residents of Zamfara State praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for the enhanced security that marked the 2026 Eid‑el‑Kabir celebrations throughout the state.

Hundreds of people in Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara and other communities told reporters that this year’s Sallah was one of the most peaceful in recent memory, allowing families to observe the festival without fear of attacks.

The calm environment, according to witnesses, restored confidence in public spaces, enabled free movement, large congregational prayers, and a resurgence of commercial activity in towns that had previously suffered from banditry.

Idris Abubakar Dangulbi, a political leader from Maru Local Government Area, credited the improvement to renewed military operations and coordinated security measures introduced by the Federal Government under Tinubu’s administration.

Dangulbi also praised Matawalle’s role as Minister of State for Defence, noting that his strategic interventions and understanding of the North West helped drive targeted responses against criminal groups.

Another resident, Malam Ibrahim Lawal, said the improved security allowed people to travel and reunite with loved ones for the celebrations, unlike previous years when roads were largely deserted due to insecurity.

Lawal explained that markets were active and prayer grounds filled, describing the mood as a major shift from the tension that had characterized past festive periods in the state.

Traders in major markets confirmed the uptick in activity. Rukayya Sani, a foodstuff dealer in Talata Mafara, said businesses recorded better patronage during the Sallah because residents felt safe enough to come out and shop.

Sani thanked the government and security agencies for their efforts, adding that the peaceful environment directly boosted sales and revived confidence among buyers and sellers.

Dr. Aliyu Sadauki Gusau, Chairman of the Zamfara State Progressive Development Union, acknowledged the visible presence of troops at flashpoints, saying their deployment was critical to sustaining peace throughout the festivities.

Security expert Major Ibrahim Musa Danmairogo (rtd) described the gains along the Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto corridor as commendable, stressing that the efforts of troops working day and night have given farmers, travellers and rural communities renewed hope for lasting stability.