Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has said the North will not enjoy sustainable peace if banditry persists in the state, which he described as the centre of terror.
This was as he secured President Bola Tinubu’s nod to take drastic steps to crush the reign of bandits and kidnappers in his state.
“Zamfara has become the centre of banditry as we speak today, and if nothing is done in Zamfara State, I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in entire Northern Nigeria,” Lawal asserted when he addressed State House correspondents on Tuesday after closed-door talks with the President at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Lawal lamented that despite all efforts by his government to end the criminal activities in the state, bandits continue to have a field day in several council areas.
Therefore, his administration has requested more military personnel and equipment to enable the officers to confront the current security challenges head-on.
“There have been several attacks in some of the local government communities. I feel that, as a responsible governor, I should make this known to Mr. President, who is pleased with the discussion we have and we are looking for more military personnel as well as the equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation,” he explained.
Lawal 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.
“I have informed Mr. President and I have his assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible. As you are aware, we, as governors, don’t have control over the military or the police. It is the responsibility of the Federal Government.
“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 explained.
He noted that the State Community Protection Guard recently launched by the Zamfara State Government is trained to collaborate with the military and police, adding that they understand the terrain better.
“As you rightly pointed out last month, we launched the community protection guard. These are well-trained people who can take care of the security situation.
“Together with the security operatives, they go out on their own on operation; they go together, either the military or the police. Let me say this: these people are respected, and they understand this land better than even the military and the police.
“So, in a way, it’s a collaborative effort. And that’s why I’m here today to get the President’s blessing to do something very drastic,” he affirmed.
