Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has cried out that the state is under the siege of banditry and kidnapping, pleading with the Federal Government to come to the aid of the state.
The governor, who said the state is becoming something else as a result of the frequent attacks by bandits in the last few days, called for more presence of the military personnel and formations in the state.
Lawal made this disclosure on Tuesday evening while speaking with newsmen after meeting behind closed-doors with the President at the State House, Abuja
He said he was at the seat of power to brief President Tinubu on the security situation in the state, stressing that if nothing is done to arrest the situation, the whole of the northern part of the country will be in trouble.
Lawal who said the State has become an epicenter of banditry and had recently recorded several cases of banditry attacks in a few local governments, despite all efforts the state government is exploring to end the criminal activities of the bandits in the State.
The Governor said he requested more military personnel as well as the equipment that will enable the officers to function effectively enough to tackle the current security situation in the State.
According to him, “There have been several attacks in some of the local government communities. I feel as a responsible governor, I should make this known to Mr. President, who is pleased with the discussion we have and we are looking for more military personnel as well as the equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation.
“Zamfara has become the center of banditry as we speak today, and if nothing is done in Zamfara state , I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in the entire northern Nigeria.”
He confirmed that the abducted Kuriga school children and few other victims of banditry were rescued in Zamfara State thereby spurring the state to be more proactive to change the narratives.
His words: “Most of the guys or the girls kidnapped in Kaduna state, ended up in Zamfara state that is not good for us, and therefore we’re doing everything to change the narratives and that is one of the reasons I came to see the president today.
“That is why I am here today I have informed Mr. President and I have his assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible.”
Lawal noted that state governors do not have control over the Nigerian military and the police, hence it remains the responsibility of the Federal government to issue directives to police abd security personnel.
He said, “As you are fully aware, we as governors, we don’t have control over the military as well as the police. It is the responsibility of the federal government. Therefore, at any point, we need to inform Mr President so that we can get his blessing either to direct them or to do something else that will help them take care of that situation.”
The Governor also explained that the Community Protection Guard recently launched by the Zamfara State government is intended to collaboratively work with the military and the police adding that they have a better understanding of the terrain
According to him: “Like you rightly pointed out last month we launched what we call the Community Protection Guard and these are people that are well trained to take care of the security situation, together with the security operatives.
“They go out on their own on operation, they go together, either with the military or the police. And let me say this, these people are expected to understand the terrain better than even the military and the police.”
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Follow us on:
