Governor Bello Matawalle on Friday urged traditional rulers to collaborate with government and security agencies to tackle banditry and other criminal elements in Zamfara.

Mr Matawalle made the call while receiving the District Heads from the 19 Emirates in the state under the District Heads Forum at the Government House in the capital Gusau.

The Forum paid the governor a thank-you visit to appreciate his gesture of donation of brand new cars and other support to the traditional rulers in the state.

Mr Matawalle said the traditional institution was one of the most important organs of government in decision making and other aspects of development in the state, hence the need for his administration to support the forum at all times, he noted.

The governor expressed his administration’s resolve to accord special respect to the traditional rulers.

He said the decision to provide new cars to the emirs and entire district heads across the 19 Emirates of the state was borne out of the desire to boost their morale and dignity among their subjects.

Mr Matawalle said the state government’s effort would ensure sustainable peace, growth and economic development in all parts of the state.

According to him, the state government will not relent in seeking their support and cooperation, to move the state to the next level of development.

He explained that the achievements recorded in the area of security and transformation of the state would not have been possible without the full support of the traditional institutions and people of the state.

(NAN)