The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the Federal Government into the secret negotiations held with bandits in the state.
This followed the abduction of about 30 female students of the Federal University of Gusau last Friday.
Reports indicated that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government had been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the state government.
Lawal, on Monday, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, lamented the action of some Federal Government agencies engaged in negotiations with bandits without recourse to the state government.
He called on the Federal Government to clarify the action of the agencies involved, saying the move was at variance with his administration’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry.
“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.
“The fight against banditry is a top priority of 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 terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far,” the statement said.
But in a swift response, the Federal Government warned the governor against the politicisation of the security situation in his state.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement by the Director of Press in his ministry, Suleiman Haruna, said no FG official was engaged in negotiation with bandits in Zamfara.
The statement said, “The minister observes that the Federal Government institutions are empowered by law to spring to action, with or without prompting, to ensure the safe return of citizens illegally taken hostage, like in the case of these hapless students. The fact that details of such delicate operations are not revealed by the institutions responsible does not make it in any way surreptitious, as the Zamfara State Government atrociously described this effort.
“The minister states, for the avoidance of doubt, that no official of the Federal Government is engaged in negotiation with any bandit or group of bandits. The government, however, maintains its resolve to explore every available avenue that can lead to the de-escalation of tension and bring back peace to communities ravaged by banditry.
“However, if communities decide to borrow a leaf from what has helped quench unrest in other parts of the country to engage themselves in dialogue, the Federal Government would not be in a haste to condemn such people-driven initiative.
“The minister assures Nigerians that the Federal Government and its institutions are working assiduously to turn around the current situation and bring an end to the ebbing cases of banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality. Political differences or personal fights with anybody should not be brought into the serious matter of national security to avoid demoralizing our troops or and derailing the government’s effort.”
“Finally, the Minister maintains that the Federal Government is willing to listen and continue its ongoing engagement with all stakeholders across the country in working out a lasting solution to our security problems. We urge all to put hands on deck with us.”
Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadarin Daji has rescued another set of seven out of the remaining 22 female students in the kidnappers’ den.
The PUNCH reported that bandits attacked the university and abducted about 30 students from their rented lodge in Sabon Gida, Bungudu Local Government Area of the state last Friday.
Six of the abducted students were rescued while two were said to have escaped from their captors’ den.
In the latest development, a counter-insurgency publication that is focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, stated on Monday that seven students were again rescued alongside three male workers of Gupran Engineering Services Ltd.
This brings the total number of students rescued so far to 13.
Lending its voice to the abduction of the female students, the Senate, on Sunday, called for their immediate rescue from their abductors.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the Senate said rescuing the innocent female students from the captivity of the bandits must be the topmost priority of the country now.
“It is our duty as leaders to prioritise their safety and well-being above all else,” the Senate said.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, Dr Bello Matawalle, assured that the abducted female students would be rescued and returned safely to their respective homes.
This is contained in a statement by the ministry’s acting Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Hope Attari.
The minister, who condemned the abduction of the students, extended his heartfelt sympathy to their parents, the academic community and entire residents of Zamfara for the tragic incident.
“I share in your pain and strongly condemn this reprehensible act carried out by suspected bandits,” he said.
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