Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has established a standing committee to assess and provide support to individuals affected by banditry in the region. According to a statement released by the Press Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Shehu Adamu, the committee’s primary objective is to offer immediate assistance and condolences to victims of banditry within 48 hours of an incident.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni, has been mandated to conduct thorough field assessments of affected areas to determine the extent of damage, including the number of lives lost, displaced individuals, and destroyed properties such as infrastructure, farmlands, and assets. They will also provide recommendations for medium and long-term strategies to rehabilitate affected communities and prevent future occurrences.
In addition to the Deputy Governor, the committee comprises the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Isma’il, as Vice Chairman, as well as Commissioners for Security and Home Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Humanitarian and Disaster Management, and Housing and Town Planning, among others. The committee will collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as necessary and submit periodic reports to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
During the committee’s inaugural meeting, Chairman Mummuni expressed gratitude to Governor Lawal for entrusting them with the responsibility and assured that the committee would work diligently to justify the confidence placed in them. The establishment of this committee is a significant step towards addressing the impact of banditry in Zamfara State, which has been plagued by insecurity and violence in recent years.
The committee’s efforts will focus on providing relief and support to affected communities, as well as developing strategies to prevent future incidents. By working together with relevant stakeholders, the committee aims to bring about positive change and improve the lives of those affected by banditry in the region. With the committee’s establishment, the government of Zamfara State has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the pressing issue of banditry and its impact on the community.