The Northern Youth Development Association of Nigeria (NYDAN), on Friday, attributed the rising insecurity in Zamfara State to poor governance, emphasizing that effective leadership was crucial for protecting lives and maintaining justice.

They also stated that instead of fostering alliances with military and security forces, Governor Lawal has focused on political ‘vendettas’, particularly targeting his predecessor, Dr. Bello Matawalle, now serving as Minister of State for Defence.

The National Secretary of NYDAN, Abdukadir Yusuf, disclosed this in Abuja, during briefing, criticizing Governor Dauda Lawal, who assumed office in May 2023 with a pledge to combat banditry within 100 days

Yusuf condemned Governor Lawal for politicizing the insecurity crisis, saying that the safety and well-being of Zamfara’s citizens must take precedence over personal ambition and political rivalries.

He said: “Leadership, particularly in times of crisis, is not just about holding office; it is about fulfilling the sacred duty of protecting lives, securing the future, and upholding the principles of justice and democracy.

“Regrettably, in the case of Zamfara State, leadership has faltered, and this failure has had devastating consequences. Governor Dauda Lawal, who took office in May 2023, came with the promise of ending banditry within his first 100 days. Yet, over a year later, the situation has only worsened.

“Instead of focusing on building alliances with critical stakeholders such as the military, security agencies, and the Federal Government, Governor Lawal has chosen the path of political vendetta, targeting his predecessor, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle.

“This obsession with attacking Matawalle, who now bears the significant responsibility of defending our nation against insurgency and terrorism, has proven to be a colossal distraction. It has diverted attention from the urgent task of securing Zamfara and has cost us valuable time and resources.

“One of the governor’s most egregious actions was his public assertion that Zamfara is the “headquarters of banditry,” followed by blaming the military for not eradicating the threat in a matter of weeks. Such careless statements not only embolden the criminals who terrorize our communities but also demoralize the very forces we rely upon to restore peace.

“Even more alarming is the fact that instead of coordinating efforts with the Federal Government and security agencies, the governor abandoned the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund, a critical institution designed to enhance security in the state.”

He noted that Lawal has used his platform to launch a campaign against his predecessor, Dr. Bello Matawalle, making unfounded accusations aimed at undermining Matawalle’s credibility and contributions to national security.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the group, Muhammad Umar Yakubu, highlighted the urgent need for unity and effective leadership to address the security challenges facing the state.

He stressed that by targeting the Minister of State for Defence, the governor is compromising the broader fight against insurgency and banditry, betraying the trust placed in him by the people of Zamfara when they elected him to lead.

Yakubu said: “At this critical juncture, we must all rally behind the cause of restoring peace to Zamfara. Dr. Bello Matawalle, despite being relentlessly targeted by Governor Lawal, has remained focused on his mandate as the Minister of State for Defence.

“He has pledged his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the nation’s security apparatus. Under his leadership, several notorious bandits, including Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Sani Black, and Kachalla Makore, have been eliminated, bringing a fragile peace to Zamfara and its neighboring states.

“These achievements are not mere coincidences; they are the result of dedicated leadership and a commitment to securing the lives of the Nigerian people.”