The Zamfara State Government has firmly distanced itself from purported initiatives by certain individuals claiming to represent the Federal Government in negotiating with bandits to address the prevailing security challenges in the state.
In a statement issued by the State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Comrade Mannir Mua’zu Hidara Haura, the government of Zamfara State vehemently disavowed any involvement or support for the proposed reconciliation talks with bandits, labeling them as illegal and contrary to the state’s interests.
The statement emphasized the government’s unwavering stance against negotiating with bandits, affirming that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has consistently rejected such overtures as politically motivated and detrimental to ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities.
“Zamfara State Government is not party to it and is not supporting the move,“ the statement read.
“On several occasions, Governor Dauda Lawal announced that his government has no plans to negotiate or support any peace accord with bandits operating in Zamfara State and the move is politically motivated by the enemies of the state with a mission to demoralize the plans and commitment of the present administration in fighting banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
“The State Government has rejected the so called peace accord initiative with bandits by these group of individuals and call on the general public as well as security agencies to monitor and reject their movement in the state.
“It is against the wishes of the entire people of Zamfara State.
“This is politically constituted to cause mayhem to our security agencies and the present administration of Governor Dauda Lawal’s efforts in tackling the current security challenges in the State.
“The general public is hereby assured that the State Government in collaborations with security agencies, is on top of the security situation in the state and is working tirelessly to ensure that peace returned to the state and the lives and properties of the entire Zamfara people are protected. Issues of banditry have became a history in the state.
“The State Government however extended its condolences and sympathy to the victims of the recent banditry attacks at Sakaji and Bilbis villages in Kaura Namoda and Tsafe local governments areas, describing the incidents as unfortunate and would not be allowed to continue.”
