The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come to the aid of the state as bandits are making the state ungovernable.
The governor who also met with the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Tuesday 26 March 2024 complained that bandits might soon take over the state.
Governor Dauda said Zamfara State sooner or later might become ungovernable if care was not taken to address the security problems facing the state.
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 entire Northern Nigeria.”
Meeting with President Tinubu, late Tuesday night26 March Governor Dauda “Informed the President that, over the past 13 years, Zamfara State had emerged as the hub of banditry in Northwestern Nigeria.
Governor Dauda appealed to President Tinubu for presidential intervention in providing the military with adequate personnel, weapons, and logistics, He also requested sufficient air support to assist ground troops.
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured the governor of his commitment to providing all essential support and logistics to the security forces to guarantee the restoration of peace in Zamfara.
The president, furthermore, reaffirmed his administration’s position against negotiating with bandits and paying ransoms to kidnappers, actions that he believes only serve to empower them.
Earlier Governor Dauda met with the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin to solicit more support in terms of security apparatus in the state
During the meeting with General Christopher, Governor Dauda recalled the need for more security officers’ presence in Zamfara State.
The governor said, “Today, I am here to discuss the issue of insecurity that has been affecting Zamfara State. I was here a few months ago for the same reason.
“Recently, there have been recurring issues with bandit attacks in some areas of the state.
“Yesterday, an attack occurred in Tsafe LGA, resulting in fatalities, including a member of our Community Protection Guards (CPG). Military operational vehicles, including those of the Community Protection Guards, were set on fire by bandits.
“We are experiencing a shortage of personnel in Zamfara as some officers have been redeployed to the Northeast.
“Farmers are unable to tend to their farms, and the continuous assaults have claimed numerous lives.
“I would like to use this opportunity to urge you to mobilize and deploy troops to Zamfara. Such action is crucial for combating the threat of insecurity and reinstating peace in the state.
“The deployment of security forces will undoubtedly uplift the people’s spirits and discourage criminals from engaging in their nefarious deeds.”
Responding, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, appreciates Governor Lawal’s efforts in fighting banditry in Zamfara.
He said, “I want to express my appreciation for your efforts in combatting insecurity. We plan to adjust and reposition resources using the same approach as Maiduguri.
“We are convening a conference with all theatre commanders and stakeholders to address the issue of attacks, which deeply saddens us.”
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
