The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a stark warning regarding a troubling and increasingly apparent close relationship between the Zamfara State government, led by Dauda Lawal Dare, and notorious bandits and criminal gangs that have devastated the state and neighboring areas in the North-West region.
In a press statement, NAN hinted at the recent invitation of Musa Kamarawa to the government house in Gusau, suggesting this visit furthers Governor Lawal's conspiracy with some disgruntled northern politicians against President Tinubu, targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
Musa Kamarawa, arrested during Matawalle's tenure and subsequently released by the current administration, is purportedly working as the link between Dauda Lawal and Bello Turji. Kamarawa, last seen at the Zamfara Government House, is also to be the architect behind a video featuring Bello Turji, a prominent bandit leader.
In the video, Turji openly criticizes eminent political leaders such as Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
According to NAN, such bold statements could not have been made without governmental support, pointing to a potentially deeper and more sinister collaboration with these criminal elements.
In a statement signed by NAN Chairman Sahabi Lawali, the forum highlighted a prior video showing hooded armed bandits confessing to having ties with the current government. "These disturbing revelations, coupled with Turji's audacious declarations, suggest a worrying trend of collusion between the current administration and criminal groups," Lawali stated.
The bandits in the videos expressed their loyalty to Dauda Lawal and vowed to execute any orders he may give, raising significant questions about the administration's motives. "There appears to be a deliberate strategy employed by Dauda Lawal to use these bandits as instruments to discredit his predecessor," added Lawali.
"This tactic undermines the rule of law, erodes the ethical foundations of our political process, and jeopardizes the safety and well-being of our citizens."
NAN noted the significant deterioration in the security situation in Zamfara State under the current administration compared to the previous leadership of Bello Matawalle.
The group pointed out that local government headquarters were never infiltrated by bandits during Matawalle's tenure, whereas such areas are now under constant attack. "The lack of action from Governor Lawal in addressing these frequent invasions is disappointing," Lawali stated.
"Instead of consoling the victims or condemning the attacks, Governor Lawal seems more focused on criticizing his predecessor."
The Network warned the Governor to shift focus from political squabbles to the pressing issue of security in the state, advocating for cooperation with federal efforts to address the root causes of the attacks and implement effective preventive measures.
NAN also highlighted the role of former IGP MD Abubakar, who now serves as chairman of the state Security Trust Fund after leading Lawal's transition team. "We recall that MD Abubakar led the reconciliation committee under the previous administration of Bello Matawalle and engaged with various stakeholders, including leaders of the bandits," they said.
Despite Governor Lawal's propagated stance against negotiating with bandits, the fact that bandits still exist in the government house suggests ongoing negotiations behind the scenes. NAN calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into these alarming developments to ensure justice prevails and the integrity of Zamfara’s political system remains intact.
"The administration must address these allegations head-on," Lawali stated. "It is imperative that swift, decisive action is taken to dismantle any existing alliances between the government and the bandits."
"The video evidence depicting bandits pledging allegiance to Dauda Lawal and the appearance of Kamarawa at the government house are clear indicators of the alarming collusion that threatens the state's peace, security, and democratic ethos. Immediate and thorough measures are critical to safeguard the interests of the citizens and uphold the sanctity of the political process in Zamfara State," Lawali concluded.
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