Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination not to negotiate with bandits or succumb to criminal elements as efforts to combat insecurity continue across the state.
Lawal made the declaration on Thursday during a condolence visit to Bungudu Local Government Area following a recent attack by armed bandits that left several residents dead, injured and abducted.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor said the state government remained committed to deploying every available resource to restore peace and strengthen security in Zamfara.
During the visit, Lawal first met with the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, to sympathise with the traditional ruler and members of the affected community over the tragic incident.
The governor urged residents to remain patient and continue supporting ongoing efforts to tackle the security crisis, describing the challenge as a complex issue that requires persistence and collective action.
He assured families of those injured and abducted that the government would intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of victims while providing the necessary support to those affected by the attack.
Lawal also offered prayers for those who lost their lives and extended his condolences to their families.
According to him, the state government would not relent in its determination to rid Zamfara of criminal activities and restore normalcy across affected communities.
In his response, the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, commended the governor for his commitment to addressing insecurity in the state and expressed confidence that the battle against banditry would eventually be won.
The governor also visited the family of the late Alhaji Bello Umar Bungudu and other bereaved families to offer his condolences and express solidarity with them during their period of mourning.