The Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Muhammad, has been suspended from his throne over allegations of involvement in banditry.

Muhammad’s suspension was approved by Governor Bello Matawalle on Saturday, June 12, PM News reports.

However, according to the state’s head of service, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Governor Matawalle has already set up a committee to look into the allegations made against the monarch.

The investigative committee has some of its members as Alhaji Mukhtar Anka, a former deputy governor in the state, Alhaji Faruku Dosara, the leader of the state House of Assembly, retired DIG Mamman Tsafe, and Alhaji Yusuf Zugu, The Cable also reported.

Balarabe, who is also the acting secretary to the state government noted that the committee has been given only three weeks to make its findings and submit reports based on them.

51 persons die during bandits’ attack

Earlier, it was reported that about 51 persons lost their lives in the hands of suspected bandits. They were killed after bandits attacked launched attacks on five communities in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state.

The communities include Kadawa, Kwata, Maduba, Ganda Samu, Saulawa and Askawa. Hundreds of residents have been displaced by the attacks, with many of them, including women and children taking shelter in Dauran and Zurmi towns.

Residents said several motorbike riding gangs of armed men stormed the communities firing at people.

Residents said several motorbike riding gangs of armed men stormed the communities firing at people.