The governor of Zamfara Dauda Lawal on Monday urged the Federal Government (FG) to investigate secret negotiations with bandits in the state.

Dauda in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, expressed concern over federal agencies engaging in talks without involving the Zamfara state governor and security agencies.

As such, Idris in the statement said that the governor wants clarity on these actions and called on the federal government to launch an investigation.

He stated that reports indicated that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the State Government.

“The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegation met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege,” he said.

“Previous administrations in the State failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits.

“We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara.”

Idris added that the Zamfara State Government has taken a firm stance from the beginning and that it will not negotiate with these criminals.

The spokesman said that ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of the Zamfara State Government, and they cannot afford to make any compromises in their efforts.

“We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far,” Idris said.