According to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, if governors were granted direct authority over security agencies, banditry would be eradicated in the state in two months.
Despite being Zamfara’s chief security officer, Lawal bemoaned in a widely shared video on Wednesday that the state’s security personnel only follow orders from Abuja. He claimed that the battle against banditry has been hindered by the absence of direct authority.
“I promise the Almighty Allah that I am aware of any bandit leader in Zamfara State. I can show you where they are today using my phone. However, we lack the authority to take action,” the governor stated.
I promise that banditry would stop in two months if I had command of the security services.
Additionally, Governor Lawal recalled instances in which security forces disregarded warnings of bandit attacks, such as one in Shinkafi Local Government, due to a lack of authorization from Abuja. He claimed that in spite of these obstacles, his government is still providing logistical support to security forces and has enlisted 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe as well as thousands of Community Protection Guards to help in the conflict.
The governor went on to say that in order to resolve complaints that might be escalating the insurgency, his administration is prepared to supply necessities like water and schools.Lawal promised not to back down while advising residents to exercise patience. The majority of the time, I cry for my people because I can see an issue but am unable to direct security personnel to take immediate action. We have trusted God with everything, and He will undoubtedly save us,” he said.
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