A coalition of civil society organizations, the Situation Room on the War Against Banditry, has raised concerns over Zamfara State’s response to the ongoing banditry crisis. In a press briefing on Friday, the group’s convener, Nwogu Ndubisi, expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of the situation, particularly regarding the notorious bandit leader Turji.
Ndubisi highlighted that Zamfara has been grappling with a devastating wave of banditry, characterized by kidnappings, killings, and cattle rustling. Rural communities have been forced to pay protection money to bandits to avoid being raided, creating a climate of fear and insecurity.
The coalition also criticized the allocation of resources in Zamfara’s budget, expressing concerns that funding could be diverted from essential public services. Furthermore, they questioned Governor Dauda Lawal’s reaction to the military’s recent success in eliminating bandit kingpin Kachalla Halilu.
The Situation Room on the War Against Banditry urged the governor to support the military’s efforts to bring peace to the region and called for increased transparency and accountability in addressing the crisis. They emphasized the urgent need for the federal government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and relevant agencies to continue their work to restore peace to Zamfara and the North West region.
Ndubisi stated, “The people of Zamfara deserve a leader who prioritizes their safety and security. They deserve better. They deserve a leader who will confront the issues head-on.”
The coalition’s criticism comes amid ongoing efforts to combat banditry in the region. While the recent elimination of Kachalla Halilu has provided some relief, the challenges posed by banditry remain significant.
