Multiple worshippers were abducted as bandits raided a mosque in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State. The incident occurred during the observance of the Tahajjud prayer, a special prayer practiced by Muslims in the last 10 days of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Zamfara has been facing severe attacks since the onset of bandit violence in the North West State. A week ago, Governor Dauda Lawal engaged in discussions with President Bola Tinubu regarding the escalating banditry and criminal activities in the state.
In a statement released by the spokesperson for the Zamfara governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Lawal briefed President Tinubu on the security challenges in Zamfara, particularly the resurgence of attacks in certain local government areas. Tinubu and the governor deliberated on strategies to address the situation, including heightened security measures, intelligence gathering, and community engagement initiatives. They emphasized the importance of tackling underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment, which have contributed to the increase in criminal activities within the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to address critical security concerns in Zamfara State. During their private meeting, Governor Lawal highlighted Zamfara’s emergence as a hotspot for banditry in northwestern Nigeria over the past 13 years. He appealed to President Tinubu for intervention in providing the military with adequate personnel, weaponry, and logistics, citing shortages in Zamfara. Additionally, Lawal requested increased air support to assist ground troops.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reassured the governor of his dedication to supplying essential support and resources to the security forces to ensure the restoration of peace in Zamfara. Furthermore, the President reiterated his administration’s stance against negotiating with bandits and paying ransoms to kidnappers, actions that he believes only serve to embolden them.
