Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, says banditry in the state would be a thing of the past if he had some control over security agencies.
Speaking in an undated viral video, Lawal claimed that he knows about the daily movements of bandits in Zamfara thanks to tracking devices.
The governor said banditry in the state will end in two months if he had his way.
“In less than two months back, I bought 150 brand new cars; I distributed them to security agencies even though I can’t ask them to do or undo,” the governor said in Hausa.
“But it is my duties and responsibilities and I did, but they can only be directed from Abuja.
“I swear to Allah, there was a time I shed tears. We see there’s a need for them (security operatives) to be there (areas prone to bandit attacks) and protect people but they won’t until they get directives from Abuja.
“Let me tell you something, I swear to God wherever bandits are, we know. I know, I can show you on this phone wherever they are… I know, but we can do nothing.
“If I am the one in power to give the directives, I swear this issue will come to an end in 2 months.”
Zamfara is one of the northern states most affected by the activities of bandits and gunmen. Recently, there has been an uptick in gunmen attacks on Zamfara communities.
On August 23, gunmen killed two residents and abducted at least 100, in Gamdum Mallam and Ruwan Rana villages of Bukkuyum LGA.
In early August, gunmen raided several communities in Kauran Namoda LGA, killing 24 people, injuring 16, and abducting 144.
In 2024, the governor said he can end banditry in Zamfara in two weeks.
