Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has accused the federal government of engaging in a back-door negotiation with terrorists in the state without his consent.
Governor Lawal, who has been persistently critical of negotiating with terrorists, on statement released by his spokesperson, Suleiman Bala Idris, said he has reports that negotiations are being carried out with some terrorists in various local government areas in Zamfara State.
While calling for a comprehensive investigation into the matter, the governor asked the federal government to clarify on the clandestine action of the federal agencies, which he said is clearly at variance with the state government’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry.
The statement partly reads, “Reports indicated that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the State Government.
“Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to clarify and investigate the actions of some unscrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara.
“The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegations met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun Haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege.
“Previous administrations in the state failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits. We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara,” Mr. Idris said.
The governor’s spokesperson reiterated Mr. Lawal’s stand that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists.
“Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of the Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far,” he added.
