No Talks, No Deals: Zamfara Governor Declares War on Bandits, Donates N5m to Indigenes’ Association

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s refusal to negotiate with bandits, insisting that security forces will continue their offensive against criminal groups until peace is fully restored across the state.

The governor’s position was conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Mukhtar Musa, during the inauguration of the Secretariat of the Association of Zamfara State Indigenes Residing in Kaduna on Sunday.

Musa said the Lawal administration remains resolute in tackling insecurity through sustained collaboration with security agencies, stressing that the government will continue to provide logistics and other operational support needed to combat criminal activities.

He maintained that the state would not enter into any form of dialogue with bandits, urging those willing to abandon crime to surrender, while warning that those who refuse would face the full force of the law.

According to him, intelligence from residents remains a crucial tool in the fight against insecurity, and citizens must continue to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.

He assured residents that the governor remains committed to restoring peace and delivering meaningful development across Zamfara.

Speaking on the inauguration, Musa described the event as a symbol of unity among Zamfara indigenes living outside the state and commended the association for establishing a secretariat in Kaduna. He also announced a donation of N5 million from the Zamfara State Government to support the association’s activities.

Earlier, the association’s chairman, Alhaji Garba Balarabe, described the inauguration as a major milestone for Zamfara indigenes in Kaduna, noting that the facility would serve as a centre for welfare, coordination and community engagement.

As part of the event, the association distributed food items, including 280 bags of 10-kilogramme rice, vegetable oil and spaghetti, to vulnerable members.

Balarabe appealed to the state government for support in acquiring a permanent office for the association in Kaduna.

Also speaking, the Zamfara Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Abdulrahman Tumbido, praised the association’s humanitarian efforts and expressed confidence that ongoing security measures would soon bring lasting peace to the state.

The National President of the association, Alhaji Usman Balarabe, called for stronger unity among members and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting women, children and other vulnerable groups.

In her remarks, the association’s Ex-Officio, Hajiya Aishatu Maradun, pledged continued efforts to expand opportunities for members and appealed for sustained government support.

Representing Engr. Abdullahi AbdulKarim Tsafe, Engr. Garba Abubakar formally inaugurated the secretariat and commended the association’s outreach initiative. He also advocated translating the association’s constitution into Hausa to improve accessibility and understanding among members.

The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, politicians, community leaders and members of the association from Kaduna, Abuja and other parts of the country.