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FOR THE RECORD: NEGOTIATING WITH BANDITS WILL NEVER BE PART OF OUR STRATEGY – GOV. DAUDA LAWAL

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR THE RECORD: NEGOTIATING WITH BANDITS WILL NEVER BE PART OF OUR STRATEGY – GOV. DAUDA LAWAL

Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated that his administration is not willing to negotiate with bandits in Zamfara State.

The governor was misquoted in an exclusive interview he granted to the BBC Hausa service over the weekend.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the BBC Hausa service interview was mischievously translated by some media platforms to mislead the public on the position of the State Government.

He added that the Zamfara State government has successfully combat banditry through its aggressive strategy of an all-out offensive against the bandits operating in the state.

The statement read in part: “The banditry issue has been a significant concern for people across Zamfara State, Northwest, and the entire country for decades.

“This is one reason Governor Dauda Lawal stated in his campaign manifesto before the 2023 general election that security would be his top priority, pledging to implement measures to address the situation.

“Governor Lawal has been vindicated as it represents a promise that has been kept and fulfilled.

“Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has prioritized the security of Zamfara State, and it has taken a clear stance from the beginning that negotiating with bandits is nothing but a ‘snipe hunt.’

“In various media interviews, the governor has restated that the Zamfara State Government will not negotiate with the bandits terrorizing the state.

“It should be made clear and on record that Governor Dauda Lawal’s position remains undisputed: no responsible government will negotiate with killers from a position of weakness. Negotiations should only occur from a position of strength.

“Governor Lawal’s BBC Hausa interview has shown that his position is consistent and not contradictory. He has maintained from the outset that if there is any opportunity for negotiation, the bandits must surrender their weapons and repent without any conditions or terms attached.

“The strategy we are implementing to combat banditry is producing remarkable results, as many volatile areas of the state are experiencing a return to peace. All that resonates from Zamfara is the success narrative of leaders and hundreds of bandits eliminated daily.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
February 11, 2025

‘WE ARE WINNING WAR ON BANDITRY,’ GOV. LAWAL TELLS WORLD BANK AS HE REQUESTS MISSION TO ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

‘WE ARE WINNING WAR ON BANDITRY,’ GOV. LAWAL TELLS WORLD BANK AS HE REQUESTS MISSION TO ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has informed the World Bank that his administration is gradually winning the war against banditry in Zamfara State.

The governor was on an official visit to the World Bank office in Abuja on Friday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the meeting focused on development projects in education, health, climate resilience, and agriculture.

The statement added that the visit is expected to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Zamfara state government and the World Bank.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank.

“I want to begin by thanking the World Bank for its ongoing support for our state. We have aligned our development objectives with the World Bank’s mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

“We also recognize the security challenges that have previously impacted project implementation in Zamfara State, particularly those that have hindered the full achievement of targets due to constraints on operational activities. We are, however, making progress as the challenge is being addressed, and things are returning to normal.

“We have enhanced security measures through proactive steps taken by the state to improve security through increased patrols and strategic measures that mitigate threats.

“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety of lives and property by providing adequate logistics and support to security agencies to maintain peace and stability.”

Governor Lawal assured the World Bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits, including secure accommodations, transportation, and communication protocols.

Governor Lawal assured the World Bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits to Zamfara State.

“I assure the World Bank that we have established mechanisms for ongoing security assessments to promptly address any emerging threats and ensure a secure environment for all development partners.

“Banditry attacks on our highways, villages, and cities are under control. We are gradually winning the war against criminals, and life is returning to our communities. This is evident in the number of incidents reported daily and the increasing project implementation across the length and breadth of Zamfara State.

“Let me conclude by extending our invitation to the Country Director to visit Zamfara anytime soon and see the implementation of all World Bank-supported programs and our modest efforts in changing the narrative in our state.”

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, commended Governor Lawal for positively advancing Zamfara State.

“I am impressed by the system you put in place. Congratulations on achieving such feats in such a very short time.”

During the meeting, the Task Team Leader of the NG-CARES project highlighted the success of the implementation model in Zamfara. “We are not only adopting the Zamfara model in other states of Nigeria but are also extending it to other countries for implementation. I must commend the governor and the state government for their efforts,” she said.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
February 08, 2025

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL MOURNS 17 STUDENTS LOST IN ZAMFARA FIRE TRAGEDY

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL MOURNS 17 STUDENTS LOST IN ZAMFARA FIRE TRAGEDY

Governor Dauda Lawal expressed his condolences to the families of the 17 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Almajiri School in Zamfara.

At least 17 students have tragically lost their lives due to a fire at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA of the state.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the fire incident as highly unfortunate.

“I’m heartbroken by the tragic fire on Tuesday at Makarantar Mallam Ghali, an Almajiri School located in the Kauran Namoda local government area.

“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls.

“During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families as they navigate this difficult period. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

“As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying causes of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future.

“We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
February 05, 2025

His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal was represented by the Executive Secretary ZITDA, Dr Habib Gajam at the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in Lagos

His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal was represented by the Executive Secretary ZITDA, Dr Habib Gajam at the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in Lagos, which aims to provide the framework for collaboration between the FG and states to achieve nationwide broadband penetration.

Dr Habib Gajam was also a panel discussant on the theme ‘Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity Through Connectivity’, highlighting the role of broadband infrastructure in driving economic growth.

Zamfara—alongside other states—was also recognised for pioneering broadband-friendly policie.