The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria chapter, has expressed deep concern over the lamentation of Governor Dauda Lawal regarding the pervasive insecurity in Zamfara State.
 
In a statement issued by the Country Director, Ambassador Abdulahi Bakoji, the organisation said it is heartbreaking to hear that despite the availability of intelligence on the movements of bandits, no effective action could be taken without clearance from higher authorities. 

“This situation reflects not only a security challenge, but also a moral and humanitarian crisis that calls for urgent collective action.
 
“We hereby call on the leaders of faith (Christian and Muslim clergies) to rise with sincerity, reminding leaders and followers alike of the reality of death and accountability before Almighty God,” Bakoji added.

HOWEVER, a security analyst and former governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, yesterday, urged security agencies in Zamfara to act decisively against banditry, saying excuses of waiting for orders from Abuja while citizens are being attacked were unacceptable.

In a statement, the Executive Director of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) said Zamfara people had suffered killings, abductions, rape, displacement, cattle rustling and destruction of property worth billions of naira for over a decade.

He praised Governor Dauda Lawal for investing in security, including the procurement of advanced Geographical Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and environmental remote sensing technology to track bandits. 
 
Shinkafi also highlighted the provision of 150 operational vehicles, the recruitment of 2,000 Civilian Joint Task Force members and hunters from Borno and Yobe states, and the deployment of the state’s Community Protection Guard (Assakarawa) across the 14 local councils.