The Zamfara State chapter of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’ah Wa IQamatis- Sunnah, JIBWIS, has raised allegations against Suleiman Bala Idris, the spokesman for the State Governor, accusing him of defending those responsible for the murder of Islamic scholar Shiekh Abubakar Hassan Mada.

In an official statement issued by Alhaji Aliyu Na-Allah Zurmi, the Zamfara State Chairman of JIBWIS, the group confirmed the acknowledgment made by Col. Yandoto, Commandant of Community Protection Guard (CPG), regarding the involvement of his men in the tragic killing of Shiekh Abubakar Hassan Mada.

The statement called upon Sulaiman Idris Bala to retract his defense of the culprits, expressing deep sorrow and condemning the brutal murder of Sheikh Abubakar Hassan Mada, the esteemed Chairman of the JIBWIS Ulama Council in Gusau Local Government.

The incident took place in Mada town, Gusau Local Government Area, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at approximately 4 pm. The JIBWIS State leadership, along with other mourners, attended the funeral prayers led by Sheikh Abdullahi Salisu Aleru.

Despite the grief, JIBWIS urged its members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and emphasized a commitment to seek legal actions to expose and prosecute the assailants.

Eyewitnesses in Mada town identified some members of Zamfara State’s Community Protection Guards (CPG) as the perpetrators, contradicting the official statement made by Sulaiman Idris Bala, the governor’s spokesperson. JIBWIS confirmed the statement made by the CPG Commander, Col. Yandoto (retired), acknowledging the involvement of his personnel in the tragic incident.

The statement called for the withdrawal of Sulaiman Idris Bala’s defense of the culprits and cautioned against encroaching on the responsibilities of trained professionals. JIBWIS reminded the governor’s spokesperson to speak the truth, as he will be held accountable in the hereafter.

While condemning the statement, JIBWIS urged the spokesperson to refrain from encroaching on the duties of others and to be cautious when addressing delicate matters of this nature.

JIBWIS emphasized its commitment to ensuring justice is served and appealed to the public not to resort to vigilantism. The organization extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Sheikh Abubakar Hassan Mada, praying for his soul’s eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.

JIBWIS Zamfara State urged the authorities to expedite the investigation, expose the perpetrators, and ensure that justice prevails.