Gov. Lawal calls for federal probe into Zamfara bandit negotiations
In a recent statement, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has called on the Federal Government to conduct an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the secretive negotiations held with bandits in the state.
The governor expressed concern that certain federal agencies have been engaging in talks with bandit groups without the knowledge or involvement of the state government.
According to Sulaiman Bala Idris, Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor, reports indicate that a delegation allegedly sent by some federal government agencies has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the state government’s knowledge.
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Governor Lawal, in a statement released on Monday through his spokesperson Sulaiman Bala Idris, lamented the actions of these federal government agencies engaged in negotiations with bandits without seeking input from the state government and other security agencies.
He also called on the Federal Government to clarify the actions of these federal agencies, which are clearly in contrast with the state government’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry.
The statement read in part: “Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to investigate and clarify the actions of certain individuals undermining the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara.
“The Zamfara State Government has received reports of federal government delegations meeting with various bandit groups in locations such as Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Munhaye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagega.
“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 remains a top priority for the Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by discontinuing the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines the progress made so far.”