Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has distanced his administration from reported efforts by some elders from Maradun Local Government Area to negotiate with terrorists operating in the state, declaring that his government has never supported dialogue with bandits and will not change its position.
The governor made the remarks during an interview conducted in Hausa with the BBC, where he defended his administration’s security strategy and responded to questions regarding recent attacks in parts of the state despite claims of improved security.
Speaking on reports that some community elders were kidnapped while attempting to negotiate with bandits due to what they perceived as inadequate government protection, Lawal said he had heard about the incident but questioned why anyone would embark on such a mission without government approval.
Earlier in June, no fewer than 50 elders from Magamin Diddi village in the Magami/Faru Ward of Maradun Local Government Area were reportedly kidnapped by bandits during a peace meeting in the state.
The elders had reportedly embarked on the mission to reconcile with the bandits, hoping that a successful dialogue would allow residents to return to their farms this farming season.
“As I said, who sent them to negotiate?” the governor asked. ”It certainly was not the government. We have consistently stated that we do not support negotiations with terrorists.
“I heard the reports, but I do not even know who those individuals are. We are investigating the matter, but it is wrong for people to pursue negotiations when the government has clearly rejected that approach.”
Lawal reiterated that his administration’s position against negotiating with terrorists has remained unchanged since he assumed office.
“From the outset, my position has been clear: I will not negotiate with terrorists. That remains my position today. I do not see why anyone would take it upon themselves to negotiate with criminals.
“That is not my policy, nor will it ever be.”
The governor’s comments came amid concerns over renewed attacks by armed groups in some communities across Zamfara State, despite repeated assurances by the government that security conditions have improved significantly.
When asked whether the security measures adopted by his administration were sufficient to tackle terrorism and banditry in the state, Lawal maintained that substantial progress had been recorded, although he acknowledged that the challenge had not been completely eliminated.
“Very much so. I am not saying we have achieved 100 percent success, but there has been progress. As governor, my responsibility is to protect lives and property,” he said.
According to him, the relative improvement in security has had a positive impact on economic activities, particularly agriculture, which remains the main source of livelihood for many residents of the state.
“If you look at agricultural production in Zamfara last year, it was unprecedented in recent times, and that was made possible by the relative improvement in security.
“Anyone who claims they can eliminate terrorism overnight is not being truthful, and that was never our promise. We promised to prioritize security, and we have done so.”
Responding to concerns that attacks have continued despite the government’s claims of progress, Lawal argued that terrorism is a wider problem affecting multiple locations and not a challenge unique to Zamfara State.
“Secondly, terrorism is not unique to Zamfara; it is a challenge in many places. But speaking specifically about Zamfara, I can assure you that the measures we have taken have significantly reduced attacks,” he said.
The governor explained that the intensified military and security operations against criminal groups have forced many terrorists to relocate and target areas they perceive as vulnerable.
“At the same time, some attacks will still occur because we have intensified pressure on these criminals. They move to areas they believe are vulnerable.
“Nevertheless, by Allah’s grace, we will eventually overcome this challenge.”
