Banditry Remark: Fresh Twist as Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Reportedly Under Pressure to Resign
- Zamfara governor Dauda Lawal is facing mounting pressure to resign after a viral video showed him admitting he knew the locations of armed bandits
- His remarks, which drew outrage from political leaders, security experts, and community members, have sparked discussions about a possible state of emergency in Zamfara
- Lawmakers are also reportedly considering a probe into his handling of security votes, as banditry continues to claim lives in the state
Gusau, Zamfara state - Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state is reportedly facing growing calls to resign after a viral video showed him saying he knows the whereabouts of armed bandits terrorising the state but claiming he was powerless to act.
The undated clip, in which Lawal spoke in Hausa, triggered outrage in political and security circles. The governor said he had purchased 150 vehicles for security agencies but could not direct their use, as orders must come from Abuja. He added that he could track bandits’ daily movements with devices at his disposal and claimed the violence would end within two months if he had authority over security operations.
Source: Facebook
"I swear to God, wherever bandits are, we know. I know, I can show you on this phone wherever they are… I know, but we can do nothing,” Lawal was quoted to have said in the video.
Security votes: Gov Lawal berated for bandits remark
Daily Independent reported that a senior government official in Abuja, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Governor Lawal’s comments had shaken confidence at the highest levels.
“Here is a governor who has received billions in security votes… yet he goes on video to confess he is helpless. It is unacceptable,” the official was quoted as saying.
The source added that Lawal’s alleged failure to transmit intelligence on bandits’ locations to national security agencies raised serious concerns. He added that discussions were underway on whether President Bola Tinubu should declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.
It was also reported that lawmakers in Zamfara are weighing a probe into the governor’s handling of security votes and intelligence.
Source: Facebook
Banditry continues unabated
Zamfara remains Nigeria’s epicentre of banditry. On August 23, gunmen attacked Gamdum Mallam and Ruwan Rana villages in the Bukkuyum local government area, killing two people and abducting more than 100. Earlier in the month, 24 people were killed and 144 kidnapped in Kauran Namoda.
According to Daily Independent, community leaders said the governor’s remarks deepened their despair.
“If he truly knows where the bandits are and refuses to act, then he is not fit to lead us,” said a resident of Maru who spoke anonymously was quoted to have said.
Security experts warn of fallout
Analysts warned that Lawal’s admission could embolden criminals. Usman Shehu, a Kaduna-based researcher on violent conflicts, said:
“When a governor admits he knows the location of criminals but insists he is powerless, he undermines the constitution and the morale of security operatives.”
NEF urges Tinubu: Declare emergency in north
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) cried out to President Tinubu following deadly attacks rocking the region in recent times.
The NEF urged President Tinubu to declare an emergency in the region for their safety and issued a warning.
NEF outlined its demands weeks after bandits attacked Zamfara and Katsina states, claiming over 140 lives.
Source: Legit.ng
