Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed his administration’s refusal to negotiate with bandits, insisting that the state will continue to confront armed criminal groups through sustained security operations despite renewed attacks on communities.
The governor stated this on Thursday during a condolence visit to Bungudu Local Government Area, where he sympathised with bereaved families, the Emirate Council and residents following a recent bandit attack that left several people dead, others injured and many abducted.
Lawal, who first visited the palace of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, assured residents that his administration remained committed to restoring peace across the state through stronger collaboration with security agencies and increased investment in security operations.
He described the attack as painful but urged residents not to lose hope, assuring them that the government would continue to pursue measures aimed at ending banditry across Zamfara.
“I am here to express my sympathy and offer condolences to the families, the Emir and the people of Bungudu following last week’s bandit attacks,” the governor said.
“This is a test from Almighty Allah, and we will overcome it. The state government is dedicating resources and efforts to end the threat of banditry.”
Lawal stressed that despite the latest attack, his administration would not abandon its security strategy by entering into negotiations with criminal groups, maintaining that lasting peace could only be achieved through sustained efforts to dismantle bandit networks.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information, noting that defeating insecurity requires cooperation between government, security personnel and local communities.
“I encourage everyone to remain patient, as this sensitive issue requires both perseverance and steadfast prayers. We will continue to provide all necessary assistance to those injured and will do everything possible to secure the safe return of all kidnapped victims,” he added.
The governor also offered prayers for those killed during the attack, asking God to grant them eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the loss.
Responding, the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, commended the governor for personally visiting the affected community and expressed appreciation for his administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity in the state.
“As a member of the state’s Security Council, I am aware of the governor’s efforts. I am confident that we will overcome the challenge of banditry,” the monarch said.
“We appreciate your condolence visit. It means a lot to the people of Bungudu Local Government Area.”
Following his meeting with the traditional ruler, Lawal proceeded to the residence of the late Alhaji Bello Umar Bungudu and other bereaved families, where he personally conveyed his condolences and assured them of the government’s continued support.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Lawal has consistently rejected negotiations with armed bandit groups, arguing that dialogue with criminal elements has failed to deliver sustainable peace in parts of the North-West where similar initiatives were previously attempted.
Instead, his administration has focused on strengthening cooperation with the military, police and other security agencies while supporting intelligence gathering and other measures aimed at degrading the operational capacity of bandit groups.
Zamfara remains one of the states worst affected by banditry in Nigeria, with armed groups frequently attacking rural communities, abducting residents for ransom, rustling livestock and disrupting farming activities in several local government areas.
The persistent insecurity has continued to affect agricultural production, displace communities and pose significant humanitarian and economic challenges across the state despite ongoing military offensives under Operation Fansan Yamma.
West Trybe reports that Zamfara has remained at the centre of Nigeria’s fight against banditry, with debates continuing over the effectiveness of military operations versus dialogue with armed groups. Governor Lawal’s renewed rejection of negotiations reinforces his administration’s commitment to a security strategy centred on law enforcement, intelligence-driven operations and stronger collaboration with security agencies to restore peace across the state.
