Zamfara Governor Lawal: Ransom Funds Arm Bandits for Fresh Attacks

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his firm stance against engaging in negotiations with armed bandits, asserting that paying ransoms directly equips these criminals with advanced weaponry, enabling them to perpetrate more attacks. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Governor Lawal affirmed that his position has remained unwavering since he assumed office.

"I must say this: my position has consistently been against any form of negotiation with bandits. This has been my conviction from day one, and I stand by it," Governor Lawal stated. He elaborated that the act of kidn*pping has transformed into a lucrative enterprise, prompting individuals to engage in it. "When you pay ransoms, you are effectively empowering these bandits," he explained. "Every single kobo you hand over is what they utilize to acquire all these sophisticated arms they possess. Without these funds, how do you imagine they would procure such weapons?"

The Governor recounted a personal ordeal where two of his brothers were abducted, with their captors demanding a staggering N300 million for each individual's release. He confirmed his refusal to meet the ransom demands. "These individuals were already in their custody. They were taken from their homes; they didn't go there voluntarily," he narrated. "And yet, they expected me to pay money to secure their freedom? I unequivocally said no, I would not do that. I would rather channel that money towards something constructive. I hold a strong belief that if their time was up, they would have passed away during that period. No one can alter destiny. But I would never surrender my resources to a criminal, thereby empowering them to commit further atrocities."

Lawal also expressed disapproval of negotiation tactics employed by previous state administrations, arguing that the absence of a singular command structure among various bandit factions rendered such efforts futile. He pointed out that reaching an agreement with one group often leads another faction to launch attacks, seeking to establish their own recognition and demand concessions. "This has occurred on numerous occasions, and I have witnessed it. When you engage in talks with group A, group B might perceive it as an underestimation of their strength," he remarked. "Consequently, they would then act to demonstrate their own significance. So, how can one enter into negotiations with such entities? There is no one to take accountability, no clear leadership."