The escalating banditry and related criminal activities in Zamfara State prompted Governor Dauda Lawal to engage in discussions with President Tinubu.
This meeting took place on Tuesday in a private setting within the president’s office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement issued by the spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the governor provided a briefing to President Tinubu on the security challenges in Zamfara, especially with the recent surge in attacks in certain locations.
The discussions centered around a range of strategies and actions to combat the insecurity dilemma, which included bolstered security deployment, intelligence gathering initiatives, and outreach programs involving the local communities.
The meeting underscored the significance of addressing the underlying causes of the situation, such as poverty and unemployment, factors contributing to the upsurge in criminal activities within the state.
“Governor Dauda Lawal met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa today to deliberate on pressing matters related to the security status in Zamfara State,” a statement revealed.
“During the confidential session, Governor Lawal apprised the President of Zamfara State’s unfortunate status as the epicenter of banditry in Northwest Nigeria over the past 13 years.”
“The Governor made an appeal to President Tinubu for necessary intervention from the federal level to equip the military with adequate manpower, weaponry, and logistics, citing deficiencies in Zamfara. Additionally, he requested increased air support to aid the ground troops.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirmed his unwavering commitment to extending crucial support and resources to the security forces in order to ensure the restoration of peace in Zamfara State.”
“Moreover, the President reiterated his administration’s firm stance against engaging in negotiations with bandits or succumbing to ransom demands from kidnappers, actions that he believes only serve to embolden them,” the statement emphasized.