Tinubu’s government holding secret meetings with bandits — Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal 

Tinubu’s government holding secret meetings with bandits — Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal 

 

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into what he described as “secretive negotiations” between some federal government agencies and bandit groups operating in Zamfara state.

 

In a statement issued by the state government, Governor Lawal expressed deep concern over reports that a delegation allegedly sent by certain government agencies had been engaging in talks with bandits without the knowledge or consent of the state government.

 

Governor Lawal’s statement, released on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Sulaiman Bala Idris, decried the actions of these federal government agencies, which he claimed were undermining the state’s efforts to combat banditry through a kinetic strategy.

 

The governor called for clarity from the federal government regarding the actions of these agencies and demanded an immediate investigation.

 

According to the statement, Governor Lawal was troubled by the fact that these secret negotiations with bandit groups were taking place in several areas of Zamfara, including Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Munhaye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagega.

 

The governor’s concern stemmed from past administrations’ failures to achieve positive outcomes when attempting to engage in dialogue with bandits. He emphasized the need to learn from these past mistakes and adopt a more effective approach to restore peace in Zamfara.

 

Governor Lawal stated unequivocally that the Zamfara State Government had taken a firm stance against negotiating with criminals. He emphasized that ensuring the fight against banditry remained a top priority, and there would be no compromises in their efforts to address the security challenges in the state.

 

He urged the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as he believed it undermined the progress made thus far.

 

This call for an investigation by Governor Lawal highlights the importance of transparency and coordination in addressing the complex issue of banditry in Zamfara state.

 

It remains to be seen how the Federal Government will respond to these allegations and whether any changes will be made in its approach to dealing with banditry in the region.