The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, on Friday, said though his administration was doing its best to rid the state of banditry, the fate of the people ultimately lies in God’s hand.
Lawal said security forces had covered grounds in the past few days, especially with the killing of several terrorist leaders in his domain.
“We are doing the best that we can to make sure we secure the lives and properties of our people. We are doing the best that we can, but it’s in the hands of God.,” the Governor told State House Correspondents after closed-door talks with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
His comments came hours after armed bandits killed a police officer and kidnapped an expatriate and scores of travellers, including some workers of a construction firm in Zamfara on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred when the armed bandits blocked the ever-busy Tsafe-Funtua road for several hours, shooting at moving vehicles.
Zamfara State in northwest Nigeria has been facing severe security challenges, mainly due to the activities of bandits, who engage in mass abductions, killings, cattle rustling and attacks on villages.
In 2023 and 2024, the situation escalated, with several communities in rural areas being overrun by bandit groups, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The crisis has been compounded by the displacement of local populations and the inability of security forces to consistently secure the affected areas, experts say.
In response, the federal government recently launched several military operations, including air and ground offensives, to target bandit hideouts, but these efforts have yielded mixed results. Despite some successes, the bandits continue to regroup and launch counterattacks.
In his chat with journalists, Governor Lawal said, “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.
“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.”
The Governor, who declined to list specific measures by his administration, argued that “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.”
He noted that the efforts have yielded some results, including killing some major bandit leaders.
Asked how soon Zamfara residents should expect calm restored to the state, Lawal replied, “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.”
He also told journalists that all governors are determined to keep the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, in one piece despite the ongoing turmoil.
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