Report by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated that his administration is not willing to negotiate with bandits in Zamfara State.
The governor said he was misquoted in an exclusive interview he granted to the BBC Hausa service over the weekend.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris says the interview was mischievously translated by some media platforms to mislead the public on the position of the State Government.
According to the statement, Governor Dauda Lawal’s position remains undisputed and no responsible government will negotiate with killers from a position of weakness.
It says negotiations should only occur from a position of strength.
The statement explains that, Zamfara State government has successfully combat banditry through its aggressive strategy of an all-out offensive against the bandits operating in the state.
“The banditry issue has been a significant concern for people across Zamfara State, Northwest, and the entire country for decades.
“This is one reason Governor Dauda Lawal stated in his campaign manifesto before the 2023 general election that security would be his top priority, pledging to implement measures to address the situation”.
The statement emphasizes that, in various media interviews, the governor has restated that the Zamfara State Government will not negotiate with the bandits terrorizing the state.
