Zamfara Govt Disowns Documents Alleging Payments Of Huge Funds To Bandits For Dialogue

The government of Zamfara State has dismissed reports that it paid substantial amounts of money to bandits for dialogue, referring to the claims as malicious.

It reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime, including banditry and kidnapping, across the state.

In a press briefing held in Gusau, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Nakwada, condemned the documents circulating online, which claim that the government had released funds to top bandit leaders.

Nakwada labeled these documents as “fake, misleading, malicious, and completely false.”

He further explained that the documents, purportedly carrying his signature and those of other high-ranking officials, were forged.

Nakwada assured the public that security agencies were fully informed and actively working to trace the origin of these false claims on social media.

The SSG also refuted suggestions that payments had been made to media figures under the guise of “reconciliation efforts” through the state’s Security Trust Fund.

“This is very crucial that we address this matter with transparency and urgency.

“Ordinarily, we should have ignored this, like we have ignored many other fabricated lies aimed at distracting the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal from its commitment in rescuing and rebuilding the state.

“But due to the sensitivity of the security, which remains one of the priorities of this administration, we are compelled to make some clarifications,” the SSG said.

Nakwada clarified that the alleged memo, which supposedly originated from his office and was directed to Governor Lawal, was entirely fabricated and mischievous.

He reiterated that the state government has maintained a consistent policy against negotiating with bandits or terrorists.

“The state government has consistently announced its firm stance against negotiating with the bandits and terrorists.

“We still maintain the position that we will not negotiate with terrorists.

“Our administration has been unequivocal in its approach to addressing the security challenges facing our state,” he emphasized.

Nakwada concluded by noting that the false document and the claims it contains are not only distracting but are also an attempt to undermine the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have in Governor Lawal’s efforts to restore peace and order in the state.

“The fabricated document and the baseless claims it contains are not only distracting but also an attempt to erode the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have on Gov Lawal’s administration to restore peace and order,” he said.