Governor Dauda Lawal of gold-rich but bandit-besieged Zamfara State has called the state the “center of banditry” in northern Nigeria, urging President Bola Tinubu for approval to take strong measures against banditry.
Lawal met with President Tinubu on Tuesday and painted a grim picture of the security situation in Zamfara. “Zamfara has become the center of banditry as we speak today,” he stressed. “If nothing is done in Zamfara State, I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in the entire Northern Nigeria.”
The governor expressed frustration despite his administration’s efforts to halt the unprovoked attacks on communities. Bandits continue to have a field day in several council areas, he lamented.
He requested President Tinubu’s backing to take “drastic steps” to tackle the bandit and kidnapping rings plaguing the state. The drastic steps include the supply of sophisticated weapons and equipment to the military in Zamfara and the deployment of more army officers in the State.
This urgent plea comes as Zamfara continues to bear the brunt of banditry violence across northern Nigeria. Residents grapple with constant fear, kidnappings, and disruptions to their daily lives.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
