Insecurity: With cooperation, security challenges in Zamfara surmountable – Zamfara indigenes tells Lawal, Matawalle

Some indigenes of Zamfara State in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawan and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, to forget their political differences and work together to tackle the challenges of insecurity and insurgence in the state.

According to them, only stronger synergy between the state and federal government can combat insecurity in the state, expressing worries over allegations by the Zamfara state government against the federal government alleging secret negotiations with bandits.

The indigenes in an interactive section with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja said it was only through strong synergy among governments at all levels and other stakeholders, including people of Zamfara, that the insecurity confronting the state can be addressed.

Speaking, Lukman Adamu, who identifed himself as former victim of insurgence in the state said no amount of effort by a government, security agency, group or individual can yield the desired results of peace and accelerated development in the state without synergy.

He said that such allegation was suggesting that though both political leaders were interested in securing the release of students, their efforts were at the cross road.

He urged the Zamfara state government and citizens of the state to support efforts by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, his state counterpart, Dr Bello Matawalle to return peace to the state.

“As a critical stakeholders in Zamfara, I believe that what is needed at the moment is not a blame game or accusation but collaboration.

“I am of the view that state government should in the interest of the people work with the immediate past governor of the state, forgetting their political differences.

“It is time for the federal and state governments to work together with the security agencies, vigilante groups and all stakeholders including the people of Zamfara in securing the state from activities of bandits, kidnappers and other forms of insurgence.

Adamu said that as former governor of Zamfara and now state minister of defence, Matawalle remains a critical stakeholder and the state government needs to join force with to achieve the best result in the state in shortest time.

The state government had alleged that the federal government was negotiating with the abductors of the students of Federal University, Gusau without his knowledge.

According to the Governor who is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the negotiations are being carried out with some terrorists in local governments in the State.

The governor called for a comprehensive investigation into what he calls “secretive” negotiations held with bandits in the state.

But in a reaction, Badaru and Matawalle debunked the allegations by the Zamfara State Government, describing it as false and misleading saying the Ministry has not mandated any body or group to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given marching orders to the Military and other security agencies to ensure the release of those that were abducted.

Also speaking, Mr Suleiman Abubakar, from Zamfara who now reside in an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) Camp in Abuja said the issue of insecurity remain the greatest challenge in Zamfara that must be addressed.

Abubakar describing Matawale as a man of strategy urged Lawal to work with him in the efforts to address insecurity in the state.

He said that looking at the last two years of Matawalle as the governor, the issue of banditry or abduction in the state was drastically addressed, hence the need for Lawal to work with him to sustain the laudable legacy.

Abubakar said that though insurgence made him to leave Zamfara, he would be happy to return to his home state and start a new life.

“I personally feel Matawalle can use his experience to advice the state government on what to be done.

“Although I believe the issue of negotiations between the government and the bandits is wrong but if it will bring peace and unity to the state it should be a welcome development.

“Looking at the past, the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s negotiation with the militants worked in the Niger Delta and many other civilised countries.

“If negotiations will bring a permanent solution it should not be overlooked,” Abubakar said.

He advised the federal and state governments to continue to give the needed support to the security agencies in the state to halt the activities of insurgence in Zamfara for peace to fully return to the state.

He also called on the people of the state, Nigerians and every stakeholder to support every effort including offering vital information to security agencies to ensure the return of the remaining abducted students as well bring smile to the faces of Nigerians in the state.

“More importantly, we call on the security agencies not to be deterred in the efforts to secure Zamfara state, the North West, and every state of the federation.

“We believe that security is central to the development of Nigeria and achievement of renew hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led administration, “ he said.