By Editor
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has decried the increase in banditry and kidnapping activities in Zamfara and the frontline states of Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, and Kaduna.
The forum said it has been closely monitoring the events unfolding in Northern Nigeria in recent months, particularly the disturbing increase in banditry and kidnapping activities in northwest and North central regions.
According to statement issued by the spokesperson of the forum, Comrade Paul Danjuma,he said “it is with grave concern and profound disappointment that we have observed Governor Dauda Lawal's troubling association with bandit leaders such as Turji and Musa Kamarawa, all in a misguided attempt to undermine Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.”
The forum said escalating rate of criminal activities in Zamfara, coupled with Governor Lawal's focus on “personal vendettas and questionable alliances, poses a grave threat to the security and well-being of the people of the state.”
The forum said in recent months, Northern Nigeria has witnessed a troubling surge in banditry and kidnapping activities, particularly concentrated in Zamfara and the frontline states of Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, and Kaduna. “The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has been monitoring these developments with grave concern and profound disappointment,” they maintained.
“Of particular alarm is Governor Dauda Lawal's troubling association with infamous bandit leaders, such as Turji and Musa Kamarawa, seemingly in a misguided attempt to undermine Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle. This political maneuvering, at the expense of public safety, poses an acute threat to the security and well-being of Zamfara's residents.
“The NSCF is deeply disturbed by recent revelations that notorious bandit chief Musa Kamarawa and his brother have been welcomed and hosted by government officials in Gusau for nefarious purposes. Such actions are not only unacceptable but also undermine ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the region.
“While we acknowledge the efforts of the federal government and security forces, led by President Bola Tinubu and supported by Defense Ministers Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle, to combat banditry, the situation in Zamfara remains dire. Governor Lawal's apparent collusion with criminal elements illustrates a severe lack of commitment to his foremost responsibility: safeguarding the lives and properties of his constituents.
“The people of Zamfara are justifiably frustrated and angered by the state government's failure to prioritize their safety over political interests and personal vendettas. The alarming frequency of heinous crimes, including the abduction of innocent school children, underscores the urgent need for decisive action,” the forum urged.
The forum however demanded swift and thorough action from the federal government to uncover the motives behind the Zamfara government's inexplicable ties to bandit leaders. Those providing refuge to criminals like Musa Kamarawa must be held accountable and face the full weight of the law.
“Governor Lawal must demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the grave security challenges facing Zamfara and place the well-being of his constituents above all else. The resurgence of insecurity in Zamfara, fueled by the state government's alarming complacency, threatens not only the people of Zamfara but the entire northern region.
“The NSCF will persist in its advocacy for the security and welfare of the people of Zamfara and the broader northern community. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning Governor Lawal's actions and demanding justice for the victims of banditry and kidnapping.
“The time for action is now, and we will not rest until the people of Zamfara can live without fear of violence and insecurity. The NSCF remains steadfast in its commitment to holding accountable those who betray the trust placed in them by the Nigerian people and working towards a safer and more secure future for all,” the statement concluded.
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