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Zamfara youths frown at governor Lawal’s absence in times of crisis
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Zamfara Youth Alliance for Good Governance, has condemns Governor Dauda Lawal’s continuous absence from the state, especially during times of crisis.
A statement by the group’s Chairman, Musa Saidu Birnin Magaji, said, “the governor’s frequent trips abroad, seemingly for personal interests, have left the people of Zamfara vulnerable to the mercy of bandits, kidnappers, and rapists.
According to him,this absence reflects a lack of commitment and responsibility towards the citizens who elected him to serve and protect their interests.”
Magaji said they are deeply concerned about the frequent absence of Governor Dauda Lawal from the state in pursuit of his private interests abroad, the group emphasized the governor’s negligence in prioritizing his personal affairs over the safety and well-being of the citizens who entrusted him with their votes.
The group recalls a distressing incident when female students from the Federal University, Gusau were abducted. “On the very day of the incident, Governor Lawal was in the country but chose to arrogantly fly out to the United States, leaving the victims and their parents to face their fate alone.
” This lack of empathy and disregard for the suffering of the people is deeply concerning and raises questions about the governor’s priorities,” Birnin Magaji said.
In contrast to Governor Lawal’s actions, the group highlighted the response of his predecessor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, during a similar incident in Bungudu. “Matawalle suspended all engagements and personally visited the scene, ensuring the rescue of the victims. This stark contrast in leadership styles underscores the governor’s failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people he serves,” he said.
The youths group expressed disappointment in Governor Lawal’s failure to visit the university where the female students were abducted.
“By not engaging with the affected community, the governor further alienates himself from the people and fails to provide the necessary support and reassurance during times of crisis
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“Governor Lawal’s failure to ensure the safety and security of the people of Zamfara has reached an alarming level,” the Group said.
“Lawal’s inability to remain in the state and work to effectively address these security challenges has left the people of Zamfara in a state of constant fear and vulnerability.
” Despite numerous promises and assurances, the governor has failed to support the implementation of comprehensive strategies to combat these criminal activities. His constant absence and the persistence of violence demonstrate a clear lack of leadership and a failure to prioritize the safety and security of the people.
“Given the gravity of the situation, we call for a state of emergency to provide the federal government with the necessary authority and resources to swiftly address the security crisis in Zamfara. It would enable the deployment of additional security personnel, the implementation of stricter measures, and the allocation of emergency funds to tackle the root causes of the problem.
“The imposition of a state of emergency is not an action to be taken lightly. However, in this case, it is the only remaining option to protect the lives and restore the security of the people of Zamfara. The urgency of the situation demands immediate intervention, and a state of emergency would provide the necessary framework to address the security challenges comprehensively.
“Delaying the imposition of a state of emergency in Zamfara would only exacerbate the suffering of the people and further undermine their trust in the government’s ability to protect them.
“The longer the security crisis persists, the more lives will be lost, and the more communities will be displaced. It is imperative that the federal government acts swiftly to restore peace and security in Zamfara.
“The federal government must assertively intervene by imposing a state of emergency to protect the lives and restore the security of the people. Prompt action is crucial to prevent further loss of lives and to rebuild the trust of the people in their government.
“The people of Zamfara deserve a leader who is committed to their welfare and safety, and it is the governor’s duty to fulfill his responsibilities accordingly,” Birnin Magaji said.
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.