Zamfara APC calls for state of emergency to combat banditry

The Zamfara state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency to enhance the fight against banditry in the region.

In a statement issued by party spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, the APC accused Governor Dauda Lawal of undermining federal efforts to combat banditry, allegedly motivated by a desire to obstruct the success of his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.

The APC contends that Governor Lawal is actively working against the current military operations, which have reportedly been yielding positive outcomes in the fight against bandits. The statement asserts,

“The current onslaught on bandits/terrorists in Zamfara State by the military in the northwestern states under the coordination/supervision of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle on the instructions and directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu certainly, is yielding unpredictable unprecedented results,” the statement read. “Bandits’ leaders and their gangs who hitherto thought they were powerful as they laid siege on the region have been subdued by the current development.”

The party commended the Federal Government’s approach to tackling banditry, stating that it must be sustained to ensure the region is free from criminal activities.

However, the APC expressed concern about Governor Lawal’s alleged attempts to sabotage military efforts through media campaigns, suggesting that he aims to manipulate the situation for political gain ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC criticised Lawal for portraying himself as the primary supporter of military operations, asserting that he has done little to improve security since taking office in May 2023. The party accused him of attacking Matawalle, including making unfounded allegations against the Minister’s property, and failing to cooperate in the fight against banditry.

“But as a party, we observe with dismay how the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal is trying to sabotage the ongoing onslaught through his media campaigns to distract the effort of the federal government under the coordination of the Minister of State for Defence to succeed.

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“This is because the ongoing military operations are scuttling his 2027 campaign plan in which he intended to use insecurity as he did during the 2023 general elections.

“The Governor has never in any way supported military operations in the state in terms of logistics, rather he has been too confrontational that at one point, the military had to warn him to steer clear from their activities and efforts to flush out bandits from the state in particular and northwestern states in general.

“He is of the belief that he can now use the operation to his own advantage and also further fight the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle as he is blinded along with his co-travellers.

“He is not happy by the fact that the successful current military operations are being coordinated and supervised by his political rival to his disappointment.

“He is now bent on distracting the operation through media campaigns and propaganda just as he is toying with the security of lives and properties of innocent Zamfara citizens for his political gains.

“This is why we are calling on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on Zamfara so as to spoil the mischievous plan.”

The APC argued that Matawalle had previously extended opportunities for partnership in combating banditry, which were dismissed by the governor.

In light of these issues, the APC called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara to facilitate a more effective military operation, noting that the declaration is crucial to ensure that security forces can operate without political interference.

The party also stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recognized the urgency of the situation, directing the Minister of State for Defence to coordinate efforts to eradicate banditry and restore peace to the region. The APC claimed that the Minister and his forces have been successful in their mission, receiving global recognition, except from Governor Lawal and his associates, who continue to politicise the situation.

Finally, the APC reiterated its call for cooperation among all stakeholders to prioritise the security and well-being of Zamfara’s citizens, urging the need to put aside political ambitions in favour of a united front against banditry.