I Can End Banditry In Two Months – Gov Lawal
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that he can end banditry within two months if he had direct control over security agencies operating in the state.
Lawal, in a viral video, lamented that despite knowing the locations and movements of bandit kingpins, he lacks the authority to order security operatives to act.
“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandits’ leader is located within Zamfara state, I know it and if he goes out, I know. With my mobile phone, I can show you where and where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers.
“If today, I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we will end banditry in Zamfara state within two months,” he said.
The governor expressed frustration that security chiefs in Zamfara only take directives from Abuja.
He recalled a case where bandits invaded Shinkafi, but security operatives refused to respond because they had no clearance from the federal capital.
“Most of the time, I shed tears for my people because I can see a problem but because I don’t have control over the security agencies, I cannot order the security operatives to act in time,” he added.
Lawal said his administration has continued to support the fight by providing logistics and funds.
He disclosed that 150 patrol vehicles were distributed to the police, army, DSS and civil defence about two months ago.
He also noted that apart from recruiting thousands of Community Protection Guards, his government hired over 2,000 local hunters from Borno and Yobe to reinforce conventional forces.
“I am doing all these despite the fact that I have no control over the security agencies. But because it’s my responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the people of Zamfara as the chief security officer of the state,” he said.
The governor added that if bandits were driven by lack of basic amenities, he was ready to provide them. “If they are lacking water I will provide them with water, if they are lacking schools, I will build schools for them just to have peace in the state,” he said.
Lawal accused some individuals of politicising banditry in Zamfara, insisting their actions were damaging the state rather than his administration.
He also criticised the massive deployment of troops and equipment for a bye-election in only six wards, contrasting it with the delayed response to bandit attacks.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
