Zamfara Governor Accuses FG Of Negotiating With Terrorists

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has accused the Federal Government of undertaking negotiations with terrorist groups in the area.

The Governor alleged that they have received series reports on the federal government moves.

According to Lawal said in a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Bala Idris, “The Zamfara State government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegations met with different bandits’ groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun Haye, Ajah, Bawo and Bagege,”

Warning that efforts by previous administrations in the state failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits, Lawal said that, “we must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara.

“Reports indicate that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government have been holding talks with bandits’ groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the state government.

“We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara as it undermines progress we have made so far.

“The Zamfara State government has taken a firm stance from the beginning, that we will not negotiate with these criminals.

“Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of the Zamfara State government and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts.

“Governor Lawal calls on the Federal Government to clarify the action of these Federal agencies.

“Their action is clearly at variance with the state government’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry,” the statement said.

• Yusuf Oketola