Situation Room on the War Against Banditry, a coalition of civil society organizations, has decried the poor handling of banditry in Zamfara State by the state government.
The group, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, said the response from the state government regarding the menace of banditry in the state, especially the approach towards the notorious bandit leader Turji, has been inadequate.
Nwogu Ndubisi, the convergence of the group, in the briefing, said the poor handling of the problem had allegedly escalated tensions and insecurity in Zamfara and surrounding areas.
He explained that Zamfara has been grappling with a devastating banditry crisis, characterized by kidnappings, killings, and cattle rustling, adding that rural communities have been forced to pay protection money to bandits to avoid being raided.
The coalition also criticized the allocation of resources in the state’s budget, expressing concerns that funding could be diverted from essential public services.
The group further questioned Governor Dauda Lawal’s reaction to the military’s recent success in eliminating bandit kingpin Kachalla Halilu.
They urged the governor to support the military’s efforts to bring peace to the region.
The Situation Room on the War Against Banditry called for increased transparency and accountability in addressing the crisis.
They urged the federal government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and relevant agencies to continue their efforts to bring peace to Zamfara and the North West region.
Ndubisi said, “The people of Zamfara deserve a leader who prioritizes their safety and security. The people of Zamfara deserve better. They deserve a leader who will confront the issues head-on.
“It is high time for leadership to prioritize the safety and security of the people.
“The Situation Room on the War Against Banditry urges the federal government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and relevant agencies to continue their efforts to bring peace to Zamfara and the North West region.”
