A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the banner of Zamfara Concerned Citizens has accused the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, of failing to safeguard lives and properties amid a series of devastating fire outbreaks across the state.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the group’s convener, Mansur Abubakar, described the situation in Gusau and the state’s 14 local government areas (LGAs) as “dire and life-threatening,” attributing the recurring fires to the government’s apparent negligence.
“The response from the Zamfara State Government and its Fire Service has been shamefully absent,” Abubakar said.
The criticism follows a recent blaze on Wednesday at approximately 1:45 PM, which razed the home of Malam Abu Nusaiba in Gusau.
According to the statement, desperate calls to the Zamfara State Fire Service were met with excuses: every station contacted reported that their vehicles were either broken down or lacked fuel.
“The result? Irreparable loss of property and untold suffering,” the statement read.
The coalition highlighted that this was not an isolated incident. Similar fires have recently struck the Gusau Central Market and Kauran Namoda LGA, with no emergency response forthcoming in either case.
“Where is the leadership? Where is the emergency preparedness?”
Abubakar questioned, accusing Governor Lawal’s administration of showing “an alarming lack of readiness and commitment” to protecting citizens.
The CSOs contrasted the current administration’s record with that of former Governor Bello Matawalle (2019–2023), whom they praised for equipping every LGA with operational fire service units, including functioning fire engines, alarms, and well-supported personnel.
“The difference between then and now is glaring—and heartbreaking,” the statement noted.
Under Lawal’s leadership, the group alleged, the state’s fire services have deteriorated, with no working fire engines, emergency fuel supplies, or sense of urgency.
The coalition issued a series of demands, calling for the immediate deployment of well-equipped firefighting teams across all LGAs, the repair and refuelling of fire service vehicles, and the provision of modern firefighting equipment and alarms.
They also urged the government to revive the welfare and training of fire service personnel and provide relief and compensation to victims of recent incidents.
“The primary duty of any government is the protection of its citizens. Right now, that duty is being dangerously neglected,” Abubakar warned.
“We cannot and will not remain silent as this continues. The people of Zamfara deserve better—before more lives, properties, and futures are lost.”
