Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal speaks on how FG negotiates with bandits

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has accused several Federal Government officials of secret negotiations with bandit groups in the state.

Sulaiman Idris, Mr Lawal’s senior special assistant on media and publicity, made the accusation in a statement posted on Monday.

The governor said that the officials had covert meetings with several terrorist organizations in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege without the state government’s knowledge.

While calling for an investigation, Mr Lawal accused the authorities of undermining the state government’s attempts to combat banditry.

He stated that the decision contradicts the state government’s aggressive policy in combating banditry.

The statement said:

“Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to clarify and investigate the actions of some unscrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara.

“The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegations met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun Haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege.

“Previous administrations in the state failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits. We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara.

“The Zamfara State Government has taken a firm stance from the beginning—we will not negotiate with these criminals.

“Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far.”