The Zamfara State House of Assembly has expressed strong opposition to a purported initiative to negotiate with bandits in the state. This stance was articulated in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary of the House, Bello Kurya Madora.
According to the statement, the lawmakers argued that seeking a peace agreement and reconciliation with the bandits would not effectively resolve the security challenges facing the state. They criticized those advocating for such measures, alleging that they were motivated by political and selfish interests.
The assembly’s position was prompted by a Notice of Public Importance presented by the Majority Whip and representative of Anka, Honourable Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo. Nagambo raised concerns about reports suggesting that certain individuals were engaging in negotiations with bandits under the guise of a peace agreement to further their political objectives.
The Majority Whip urged fellow lawmakers to urgently bring this issue to the attention of both the state and federal governments, as well as relevant security agencies, for decisive action against those involved in negotiating with bandits.
During discussions, other legislators condemned this behavior, labeling it as sabotage against Governor Dauda Lawal’s efforts to address insecurity in the state. They voiced their full support for the governor’s stance against negotiating with bandits, whose criminal activities have severely impacted the livelihoods of Zamfara residents.
The lawmakers also highlighted claims by some individuals that they were authorized by the federal government to negotiate with bandits, which further raised concerns.
Following extensive deliberations, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Bi’yaminu Ismail Moriki, announced that the House unanimously condemned the alleged plans of certain unpatriotic individuals to disrupt the state government’s efforts in addressing insecurity. He declared the assembly’s decision to alert both state and federal authorities, as well as security agencies, to take immediate action against these individuals.