In a desperate plea for federal intervention, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared his state the “centre of banditry” in northern Nigeria.
Lawal met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Tuesday, urging approval for drastic measures to combat the rampant banditry plaguing the Northwest state.
“Zamfara has become the centre of banditry as we speak today,” Governor Lawal lamented to State House correspondents after the meeting.
“If nothing is done in Zamfara State, I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in the entire Northern Nigeria.”
Expressing frustration with the ongoing violence that has continued to rage his numerous efforts, Lawal notes that bandits continue to have a field day in several local government communities.
The Governor acknowledged that the abducted Kuriga school children and a few other victims of banditry were recovered from Zamfara State, spurring his government to be more proactive in changing the state of affairs.
“Most of the boys and girls kidnapped in Kaduna ended up in Zamfara State. That is not good for us; therefore, we are doing everything to change the narrative, which is one reason I came to see the President today (yesterday),” he said.
“Therefore, at any point, we need to inform Mr President so that we can get his blessing either to direct them or to do something else to help them take care of that situation.”
The governor appealed to President Tinubu to provide the military with adequate personnel, weapons, and logistics, as they are insufficient in Zamfara. He also requested sufficient air support to assist ground troops.
Governor Lawal’s urgent plea comes amidst ongoing struggles with banditry across northern Nigeria. Zamfara has been particularly affected, with residents facing violence, kidnappings, and disruptions to their livelihoods.
His call to action reflects the desperate need for a forceful response to restore stability in the region. The specific measures that will be implemented with presidential support remain to be seen.
However, this development signifies a potential turning point in addressing the security crisis in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
Latest posts by By Ezinwanne Onwuka (Senior Reporter) (see all)
previous
Two Boko Haram Commanders Surrender in Lake Chad Basin
next
