Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has entrusted the safety of the residents and their properties to divine protection, citing the severity of the ongoing insecurity in the state.
He emphasized that despite their efforts to address the situation, they continue to place their trust in God for ultimate protection.
The Governor stated this while addressing the press after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Lawal remarked, “We are doing the best that we can to make sure we secure the lives and properties of our people… but it’s in the hands of God.”
His comments came just hours after a tragic incident in Zamfara, where armed bandits killed a police officer and abducted an expatriate along with multiple travelers, including construction workers, on the Tsafe-Funtua road, which was blocked for hours as the attackers fired at vehicles.
The Governor acknowledged the long-standing insecurity, pointing out that the issue of banditry has plagued Zamfara for over a decade.
He assured residents that his administration was committed to tackling the problem. “The reality is that the insecurity in Zamfara State has existed for the past 12 years, and as a responsible government, we are tackling it head-on,” Lawal said.
He added, “We are doing the best that we can to ensure the lives and properties of our people. It’s an ongoing process and will continue until we end this banditry issue in Zamfara and, invariably, Nigeria as a nation.”
When asked about the specific strategies his administration was implementing, Lawal declined to divulge details, citing security concerns.
He stated, “The security situation is not something I can discuss on camera. But all I can say is, we are doing our best to make sure we handle the situation.”
Despite the ongoing crisis, he noted that recent efforts have led to the successful elimination of key bandit leaders.
In response to a question about how soon Zamfara residents could expect peace, Lawal expressed hope for a swift resolution, saying, “I’m praying that even by tomorrow, they [Zamfara residents] can go to sleep. We’re doing the best that we can, but it’s in the hands of God.”
In addition to addressing the security situation, the Governor also commented on the political crisis facing the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party.
He dismissed concerns over the internal strife within the party, which had recently escalated into two rival factions trading suspensions of key members.
The Damagum-led faction had suspended the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, over alleged disloyalty, while the Ajibade faction responded by suspending Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
Speaking in Hausa, Lawal downplayed the turmoil, asserting, “There is no political party without challenges. This is a political issue. As you know, we are looking for ways to overcome these challenges. It is not only about the PDP.” Addressing claims that the party lacked leadership, he added, “Anyone can say what they want. It is not true, and we know it is not. We are fully on the ground to ensure the party stands strong.”
On the state’s development front, the governor highlighted Zamfara’s efforts to empower young girls, noting that significant strides had been made in that area.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing these efforts, ensuring that women and girls in the state have access to opportunities for growth and empowerment.
