- The Zamfara State Government firmly rejected any reconciliation with bandits, emphasizing their commitment to combating banditry without negotiation
- Alhaji Faruk Ahmad highlighted the governor’s progress against banditry, refuting claims that previous policies contributed to the escalation of violence
The Zamfara State Government has firmly rejected reconciling with bandits, stating that neither internal nor external pressures will compel the administration to negotiate with these criminals. Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Mobilization, reiterated this position in response to statements made by the former governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Muhammad Bello Matawalle.
Ahmad emphasized that Governor Dauda Lawal is making significant progress in combating banditry, highlighting recent revelations from a prominent bandit leader, Bello Turji. In a video released on social media, Turji attributed the escalation of banditry in Zamfara and other northwestern states to policies initiated by Matawalle’s administration, including an amnesty scheme that provided financial rewards and protection for bandits who surrendered their arms.
Matawalle dismissed these claims as baseless, accusing his successor of attempting to distract and discredit him. In a statement signed by former Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle criticized the current administration for neglecting Zamfara’s security issues.
“It is regrettable that all of Zamfara is under siege by bandits, with no local government headquarters untouched. Currently, Gusau, the state capital, faces daily attacks by bandits,” Matawalle said. He advised the current administration to redirect funds used to tarnish his reputation towards protecting the lives and property of Zamfara residents.
In response, Ahmad reiterated that the current administration is committed to ending banditry and is willing to collaborate with anyone dedicated to freeing Zamfara from this menace. “We thank God; the prayers of the people of Zamfara State have been answered. The bandits are now disclosing crucial information about their sponsors and collaborators. The measures taken by the current administration to address insecurity are yielding positive results,” he stated.
Ahmad also refuted claims linking the Zamfara State Government to bandit leaders. “How can a government that refuses to reconcile with bandits be connected to them? It doesn’t make sense. Those with links to bandits know themselves. We thank God one of the bandits has begun making serious revelations,” he added.
Governor Lawal’s administration remains steadfast in its resolve to combat banditry. It will not negotiate with bandit leaders but will continue fighting them. Those willing to surrender will be accepted, while those who refuse will be confronted.
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