Gov Lawal Meets Tinubu, Says Zamfara Now Epicenter Of Banditry

• Wants more presence of military, security formations in the state
• urged Tinubu to swiftly intervene and offer crucial assistance to combat the increasing insecurity in the country. 

Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, says that the state has become the epicenter of the banditry crisis plaguing northern part of the country, and resolving the insecurity there was crucial to bringing peace to the entire region.

Speaking with the state house correspondents after meeting with the president at the state house in Abuja, the governor stressed the necessity for immediate action to address the escalating security challenges faced by the state.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to swiftly intervene and offer crucial assistance to combat the increasing insecurity in the country.

“There have been several attacks in some of the local government communities. I feel as a responsible governor, I should make this known to Mr. President, who is pleased with the discussion we had and we are looking for more military personnel as well as the equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation,” he said.

“Zamfara has become the center of banditry as we speak today, and if nothing is done in Zamfara state , I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in the entire northern Nigeria.”

Lawal said that Kuriga school children and other victims of banditry were rescued in Zamfara, prompting the state to take proactive measures to change narratives.

“Most of the guys or the girls kidnapped in Kaduna state, ended up in Zamfara state that is not good for us, and therefore we’re doing everything to change the narratives and that is one of the reasons I came to see the president today.

“That is why I am here today I have informed Mr. President and I have his assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible.

“As you are fully aware, we as governors, we don’t have control over the military as well as the police. It is the responsibility of the federal government. Therefore, at any point, we need to inform Mr President so that we can get his blessing either to direct them or to do something else that will help them take care of that situation.”

“Like you rightly pointed out last month we launched what we call the Community Protection Guard and these are people that are well trained to take care of the security situation, together with the security operatives.

“They go out on their own on operation, they go together, either with the military or the police. And let me say this, these people are expected to understand the terrain better than even the military and the police.”