Zamfara APC threatens legal action over PDP’s kidnapping allegations against Matawalle

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has threatened to take legal action against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over recent claims linking the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to kidnapping incidents in the state.

In a statement released Wednesday by the APC’s spokesperson, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party condemned the allegations made by Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Dauda Lawal, calling them baseless, defamatory, and politically driven.

The statement followed an emergency meeting of the APC State Working Committee (SWC), chaired by Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, which reviewed what it described as “provocative” remarks made by Kaura in a recent video interview.

“The lies being peddled by the Zamfara State Government, especially against Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, are not only misleading but must be investigated,” the APC said.

The party labelled Kaura’s comments as “character assassination” and “open insults” targeting prominent APC figures, including Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, now a senator representing Zamfara West.

Kaura reportedly accused Matawalle of being complicit in the December 11, 2020 abduction of over 300 students from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State. He further alleged that Matawalle received ₦300 million from then-Governor Aminu Bello Masari to secure the students’ release, but delivered only ₦30 million to the kidnappers.

Describing the claims as “outright falsehoods,” the APC said it had directed its legal team to initiate legal proceedings. “Kaura must provide evidence to support these serious allegations, particularly regarding the 2020 Kankara abduction and other so-called ‘prearranged’ kidnappings,” the party said.

The APC also challenged Kaura to produce proof related to other major abductions, including:

• The February 26, 2021 abduction of over 270 female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe

• The attack on the College of Agriculture and Animal Science in Bakura

According to the APC, many of the victims were rescued swiftly during Matawalle’s administration, and aid was provided to affected communities. It cited areas such as Gwaram, Kanoma, Kaya, Faru, Janbako, Lilo, and Anka as evidence of the administration’s proactive approach to security.

The party further hinted at legal action against Maibiredi TV, the platform that aired the interview, accusing it of collaborating with Kaura to push a premeditated narrative.

“The PDP government is using smear tactics and inciting public tension to cover up its failures,” the statement read. “This reckless outburst against Matawalle and Yari reflects the ruling party’s fear of the growing influence and popularity of our leaders.”

The APC urged its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.