…Zamfara Government believes that negotiating with bandits has not yielded sustainable results in the past.
GUSAU, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that the Zamfara Government has reaffirmed its firm stance against negotiating with bandits, declaring that it will intensify security operations and adopt new measures to curb persistent attacks across the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal made the position known through senior officials following renewed violence in parts of the state, including a deadly attack in Bunkasau village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, where at least 26 people were killed.
The declaration underscores what the Zamfara Government describes as a strategic shift toward strengthening enforcement rather than pursuing dialogue with armed groups.
According to state officials, the Zamfara Government believes that negotiating with bandits has not yielded sustainable results in the past and could embolden criminal networks operating in rural communities.
Speaking during a condolence visit to affected residents, Deputy Governor Mani Mumuni Masamar Mudi said the administration remains resolute in its commitment to restoring peace without legitimising criminality.
He assured grieving families that the government would deploy enhanced security coordination, intelligence gathering, and community engagement initiatives to confront the growing threat.
The Zamfara Government, he stressed, will not provide concessions to armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings, and destruction of livelihoods.
The recent attack in Bunkasau village left at least 26 residents dead, with several others injured. Survivors reported that armed assailants stormed the community before encountering resistance from local residents.
Officials commended the courage of villagers who reportedly defended themselves and neutralised some of the attackers during the confrontation.
Security observers say the attack once again highlights the complexity of the Zamfara insecurity crisis, which has persisted for years despite multiple military offensives and state-level interventions.
The Zamfara Government acknowledged the pain suffered by families and pledged immediate humanitarian and security support to the affected community.
In a related development, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, indicated that lawmakers may consider legislation that would allow communities to bear arms for self-defence within constitutional limits.
The proposal reflects growing pressure on authorities to rethink traditional security frameworks in response to repeated rural attacks.
While the Zamfara Government has not formally adopted the proposal, officials confirmed that discussions are ongoing to explore lawful mechanisms that could empower communities without violating federal firearms regulations.
Security experts caution that any such move must be carefully structured to prevent proliferation of illegal weapons and ensure proper oversight.
Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by armed banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region. The crisis has included; mass kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, village raids, attacks on highways and farming communities.
Over the years, different administrations experimented with dialogue initiatives, amnesty programmes, and security deployments. However, recurring violence has fueled debate about the effectiveness of negotiation-based strategies.
The Zamfara Government now insists that sustainable peace can only be achieved through stronger enforcement, community intelligence partnerships, and improved federal-state security collaboration.
During the condolence visit, the Chief Imam of Bunkasau, Malam Abubakar, thanked the government delegation for standing in solidarity with the community.
He noted that residents have endured repeated attacks but recently mobilised to defend themselves more decisively.
Community leaders appealed for additional security presence, improved patrols, and enhanced early warning systems to prevent future attacks.
The Zamfara Government assured residents that reinforcements and strategic reviews were already underway.
Governor Lawal’s administration maintains that restoring security remains its top priority, emphasising that economic development and social stability cannot thrive amid violence.
Officials say the Zamfara Government is working closely with federal security agencies to strengthen operations in vulnerable local government areas and forest corridors known for criminal hideouts.
As mourning continues in Bukkuyum and other affected communities, the message from the state leadership remains clear: there will be no negotiation with bandits.
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