Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reiterated that his administration is not willing to negotiate with bandits operating in the state.
The governor said he was misquoted in an exclusive interview he granted to the BBC Hausa Service over the weekend.
A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the BBC Hausa Service interview was mischievously translated by some media platforms to mislead the public on the position of the state government.
He added that the Zamfara State government has successfully combated banditry through its aggressive strategy of an all-out offensive against the bandits operating in the state.
The statement read in part: “The banditry issue has been a significant concern for people across the state, the Northwest, and the entire country for decades.”
“This is why Governor Lawal stated in his campaign manifesto before the 2023 general election that security would be his top priority, pledging to implement measures to address the situation.
“Governor Lawal has been vindicated, as this represents a promise that has been kept and fulfilled.
“Governor Lawal’s administration has prioritised the security of Zamfara State and has taken a clear stance from the beginning that negotiating with bandits is nothing but a snipe hunt.
“In various media interviews, the governor has reiterated that the Zamfara State Government will not negotiate with the bandits terrorising the state.
“It should be made clear and on record that Governor Dauda Lawal’s position remains undisputed: no responsible government will negotiate with killers from a position of weakness. Negotiations should only occur from a position of strength.
“Governor Lawal’s BBC Hausa interview has shown that his position is consistent and not contradictory. He has maintained from the outset that if there is any opportunity for negotiation, the bandits must surrender their weapons and repent unconditionally.
“The strategy we are implementing to combat banditry is producing remarkable results, as many volatile areas of the state are experiencing a return to peace.
“All that resonates from Zamfara State is the success narrative of leaders and the elimination of hundreds of bandits daily.”
