Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has acknowledged that while his administration is working to tackle the state’s security challenges, the ultimate fate of the people rests in God’s hands.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Lawal stated that security forces had made progress in recent days, citing the killing of several terrorist leaders in Zamfara.
“We are doing the best we can to ensure the safety of lives and property in our state. However, the outcome is ultimately in God’s hands,” the governor said to State House correspondents.
Lawal’s comments come in the wake of a violent attack by armed bandits on Thursday morning. The bandits killed a police officer, kidnapped an expatriate, and abducted multiple travelers, including employees of a construction firm. The assailants had blocked the busy Tsafe-Funtua road for hours, shooting at vehicles.
Zamfara, located in the North West region of Nigeria, has been plagued by banditry, which involves mass kidnappings, killings, cattle rustling, and frequent assaults on rural villages. Over the past few years, the situation has worsened, with bandits overrunning communities and displacing thousands of residents.
Experts have noted that the crisis has been exacerbated by the displacement of local populations and the inability of security forces to maintain a consistent presence in affected areas. The federal government has launched multiple military operations, both air and ground, aimed at eliminating the bandits. However, despite these efforts, bandit groups have regrouped and continued their attacks.
Adding to the security woes, Governor Lawal recently accused his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, of sponsoring banditry during his time in office. In a September 2024 television interview, Lawal alleged that Matawalle had supported the bandits and even hosted some at the Zamfara Government House. He called on Matawalle to resign as minister and clear his name.
Matawalle strongly denied these allegations, challenging Lawal and other political figures to swear on the Quran, as he had done during his governorship, to prove their innocence.
In his latest remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized that insecurity in Zamfara has persisted for over a decade. “As a responsible government, we are tackling it head-on. We are doing everything within our power to protect lives and property. This is a long-term process, but we are committed to eradicating banditry in Zamfara and across Nigeria,” he said.
While declining to detail specific security measures, the governor said, “The security situation is not something I can discuss openly. But we are making significant efforts, and these efforts have led to the elimination of some top bandit leaders.”
When asked when residents might expect a return to normalcy, Lawal expressed hope that peace could be restored swiftly, adding, “I pray that even by tomorrow, people can sleep peacefully. We are doing our best, but the final outcome is in God’s hands.”
On the political front, Governor Lawal also addressed the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party is currently embroiled in a leadership struggle, with two factions suspending key figures. The Damagum-led faction suspended National Legal Adviser Adeyemi Ajibade and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, while the Ajibade faction retaliated by suspending acting National Chairman Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
Lawal, speaking in Hausa, downplayed the internal strife, saying, “Every political party has its challenges. We are actively working to resolve these issues, and it’s not limited to the PDP alone.”
He also dismissed claims that the party lacks leadership, stating, “People are free to say whatever they want, but we are fully committed to keeping the party strong and united.”
Governor Lawal further highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to empower girls, noting that Zamfara is making notable progress in this area and remains committed to continuing these efforts.
