Zamfara Gov Under Fire for Saying He Can End Banditry in 2 Months as Tinubu Gets Fresh Message
- The Zamfara Good Governance Network (ZGGN) criticised Governor Dauda Lawal over a viral video where he claimed banditry could end in two months
- ZGGN accused Lawal of complicity for admitting he could track bandits’ movements but not sharing intelligence with the NSA, DSS, or military, while citizens suffered attacks
- The group urged the President to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara and called on civil society to demand accountability, citing recent mass killings and abductions
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The Zamfara Good Governance Network (ZGGN) has strongly criticised Governor Dauda Lawal over a viral video in which he claimed banditry in the state could end within two months if he had control over security agencies.
Speaking in Hausa in the undated video, which circulated widely this week, the governor said he had purchased 150 vehicles for security operatives but could not direct their deployment.
Source: Twitter
He further insisted that such orders could only come from Abuja.
He added that tracking devices in his possession revealed the daily movements of bandits.
Reacting in Gusau on Friday, ZGGN president Murtala Abdullahi described the remarks as both reckless and shameful.
“This is a governor who campaigned on the promise of ending insecurity in Zamfara. Almost three years into his administration, he is now claiming he could solve the problem in two months if he had control of security agencies. This is not just laughable; it is an affront to the gallant men and women of our armed forces who continue to make sacrifices in Zamfara,” Abdullahi said.
Group accuses Lawal of complicity
The network accused Governor Lawal of undermining federal efforts to tackle insecurity by admitting that he knew the exact locations of criminal gangs but had not shared such intelligence with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military.
“Governor Lawal has openly confessed to knowing where bandits are located and even claimed he can track their movements on his phone. Yet, instead of handing this information to the authorities, he sits on it while innocent villagers are being massacred and abducted daily. That is nothing short of complicity,” Abdullahi declared.
He further criticised the governor’s stance as hypocritical, noting that Lawal enjoyed protection from heavily armed convoys while ordinary citizens faced relentless attacks.
“Whereas he moves with sophisticated equipment and paramilitary escorts, ordinary people are left defenceless. His claim of having no control over security is contradicted by the visible security detail he commands,” Abdullahi added.
Calls for state of emergency in Zamfara
The ZGGN warned that the scale of violence and the governor’s alleged failures had left Zamfara drifting dangerously.
“With this level of compromise, it is only wise that the President declares a state of emergency in Zamfara. This administration has failed woefully to deliver its most basic duty, which is protecting lives and property,” Abdullahi said.
The group cited recent attacks in Kaura Namoda and Bukkuyum local government areas that left dozens killed and hundreds abducted.
“In August alone, more than 24 people were killed in Kaura Namoda, 16 injured, and 144 abducted. A week later, 100 villagers were taken from Bukkuyum, with two killed. Instead of solutions, the governor offers excuses,” Abdullahi stressed.
Civil society urged to demand accountability
The ZGGN called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, and community groups to hold the governor accountable.
“Our people cannot continue to be sacrificial lambs on the altar of weak leadership. Governor Lawal must stop hiding behind excuses and start delivering results. If he cannot, then the federal government must step in to rescue Zamfara from collapse,” Abdullahi said.
Source: Legit.ng
