By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The Zamfara State Government has dissociated itself from plans by some individuals, claiming to be the agents of the Federal Government, to negotiate with bandits in a bid to address lingering security challenges in the state.
According to the State Government, some group of people are claiming to have been assigned by the Federal Government to go round the state and negotiate with bandits as part of the measure to ends banditry in the state.
In a statement issued by the State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Comrade Mannir Mua’zu Hidara Haura, the Zamfara State Government described the planned reconciliation talks with bandits as illegal and against the wishes of the government and entire people of the state.
The statement reads: “Zamfara State Government is not party to it and is not supporting the move.
“On several occasions, Governor Dauda Lawal announced that his government has no plans to negotiate or support any peace accord with bandits operating in Zamfara State and the move is politically motivated by the enemies of the state with a mission to demoralize the plans and commitment of the present administration in fighting banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
“The State Government has rejected the so called peace accord initiative with bandits by these group of individuals and call on the general public as well as security agencies to monitor and reject their movement in the state.
“It is against the wishes of the entire people of Zamfara State.
“This is politically constituted to cause mayhem to our security agencies and the present administration of Governor Dauda Lawal’s efforts in tackling the current security challenges in the State.
“The general public is hereby assured that the State Government in collaborations with security agencies, is on top of the security situation in the state and is working tirelessly to ensure that peace returned to the state and the lives and properties of the entire Zamfara people are protected. Issues of banditry have became a history in the state.
“The State Government however extended its condolences and sympathy to the victims of the recent banditry attacks at Sakaji and Bilbis villages in Kaura Namoda and Tsafe local governments areas, describing the incidents as unfortunate and would not be allowed to continue.”
