GOVERNOR LAWAL ASKS FEDERAL GOV’T TO CLARIFY CLANDESTINE NEGOTIATIONS WITH BANDITS IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the Federal Government into the secretive negotiations held with bandits in the State.

Reports indicated that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the State Government.

Governor Lawal on Monday, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, lamented the action of some Federal Government agencies engaged in negotiations with bandits without seeking recourse from the State Government and other security agencies.

The statement added that Governor Lawal also called on the Federal Government to clarify the action of these Federal agencies, which is clearly at variance with the State Government’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry.

The statement read in parts: “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 delegation 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.”

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL BANS ILLEGAL MINING, ORDERS STRINGENT MEASURES ON VIOLATORS

Governor Dauda Lawal, on Saturday, issued a ban on illegal mining activities and ordered law enforcement officials to take stringent action against violators.

Over the years, illegal mining in Zamfara State has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities.

Governor Lawal, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that it’s time to end this destructive activity and implement measures to protect the safety and well-being of the people.

He stressed that security operatives had been given strict orders to take bold action and shoot on sight anyone found engaging in illegal mining.

He said: “The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts.

“It is also a swift action to enable the State Government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people.

“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State. We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities.

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR SUMMONS SECURITY HEADS OVER ABDUCTION OF STUDENTS; SIX VICTIMS RESCUED

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has summoned an emergency security meeting following the recent abduction of students of the Federal University Gusau.

The Emergency Security Council meeting was necessitated by last night’s kidnapping of students of the University who were abducted in their off-campus residence in Sabo Gida village in Bungudu Local Government Area.

In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson to the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, stressed that the Emergency Security Council meeting aimed at ensuring the immediate release of all abducted persons and also finding a lasting solution to the lingering issue of insecurity that has become a source of concern to the administration.

He added that the Governor directed the Deputy Governor, Mani Mallam Mummuni, to provide all the necessary support to the security agencies to restore normalcy in all affected areas.

“During the meeting, the security chiefs assured the Deputy Governor of their commitment to restoring peace in the State. They equally unequivocally confirmed to the Deputy Governor that troops had successfully rescued six kidnap victims.

“The Security Chiefs further assured that troops had neutralised scores of the kidnappers and are actively pursuing them to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.

“Mani Mallam Mummuni urged the heads of the Security agencies to improve troops’ presence in volatile areas for surveillance.

“The Deputy Governor has reassured the people of Zamfara that security operatives are working tirelessly to address the current situation.”

Governor Dauda Lawal Presides Over Security Council Meeting, Pledges Sustained Fight Against Banditry.

August 31, 2023

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal presided over the security council meeting, pledging his administration’s commitment to enhance and sustain the fight against banditry in the State.

Governor Lawal held the security council meeting to receive briefings from all the heads of security agencies in the state.

A statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the meeting was held on Thursday, at the Council Chambers, Government House, Gusau.

He added that the Zamfara State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and properties of the people.

The statement read in parts: “Governor Dauda Lawal presided over the security council meeting as part of his government’s resolve to prioritize the issue of security.

“He received briefings from the heads of the security agencies on their collective efforts towards the fight against banditry.

“The Governor raised a concern to the Heads of the security agencies in the State on the activities of bandits in some areas. Especially the Gusau to Funtua Road; Magami to Dangulbi, Dan Kurmi to Anka Road, as well as Magami to Dansadau Road.

“He further charged the heads of the military and police to deploy CSK platforms and Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles, to constantly patrol all the affected major roads, where the State Government will provide them with necessary support and logistics where needed.

“He called on the heads of the security to ensure the dislodgement of all the bandits camp across the State.”