By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Zamfara State Governor Alhaji Dauda Lawal has described his State as the den of banditry and other criminal activities. He insisted that until the scourge is halted,the war against kidnappings and insecurity in the North will be a mirage.
Governor Lawal who spoke with the media at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, said he has appealed to Presidential Bola Tinubu to up the scale of military intervention in the State,so as to end banditry and other related criminal activities.
That Zamfara has become the epicenter of banditry and kidnappings ,according to him, is eloquently signposted by the fact that while the Kuriga School Children were abducted in Kaduna State, they were ferried to Zamfara from where they were rescued.
“Most of the boys and girls kidnapped in Kaduna were kept in Zamfara State .That is not good for us and, therefore, we are doing everything possible to change the narrative and that is the main reason why l have come to see Mr President.
“This is why I am here today and l have the President’s assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible.” Governor Lawal stated .
He announced that Zamfara has requested for more security personnel to be drafted to the State in view of the recent surge in banditry and other criminal activities.
“There have been several attacks in some local Councils of the State of late,and as the Governor I feel I have the responsibility to make this known to the president ,who is pleased with our discussions.
We are looking forward to having more military personnel and equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation.
Zamfara has become the epicenter of banditry as we speak today and if nothing is done in the state ,l don’t think we will be able to solve the security challenges in the entire Northern region .” the Governor warned.
