The Zamfara Good Governance Forum (ZGGF) has called for Governor Dauda Lawal's immediate resignation following the brutal killing of 35 abducted villagers in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, despite the payment of a N50 million ransom.
The victims, all residents of Banga village, were among 53 persons kidnapped months ago when armed bandits stormed their community. The attackers had initially demanded N1 million ransom per hostage for their release.
According to survivors' accounts, the village managed to raise and pay N50 million to the bandits. However, only 18 captives were released, while the remaining 35 were reportedly slaughtered in cold blood during their captivity.
In a statement issued in Gusau on Monday, ZGGF President Alhaji Sani Mohammed described the situation as "a national tragedy" and "the latest example of the shameful collapse of governance and leadership under Governor Lawal."
"Thirty-five innocent citizens were slaughtered like animals — even after a ransom of N50 million was paid. And yet, the governor who swore an oath to protect lives and property is busy playing hide and seek with the same terrorists," the statement read.
The group accused Lawal of inconsistency in his approach to security matters, alleging that while he publicly denounces amnesty for bandits, he has been seen meeting with their leaders either at the government house or in undisclosed locations.
"This governor cannot be trusted. One day, he says amnesty is wrong, the next day he welcomes bandit commanders like honoured guests. Is he in charge of the state or working for the same people who are turning Zamfara into a killing field?" Mohammed questioned.
The ZGGF further argued that Lawal, who had heavily criticized his predecessor Bello Matawalle's security failures, has not only failed to improve the situation but has demonstrated confusion and desperation with no coherent policy to address the bloodshed.
According to the Forum, rural communities like Banga have been abandoned to the mercy of criminals who now control territories, force villagers to pay taxes, kidnap at will, and punish those who resist their authority.
"Banga is now ruled by terrorists. Neighbouring villages are deserted. Women are being raped, men are being killed or abducted. What is this governor doing apart from press conferences and photo ops?" the group asked.
The Forum insisted that if Governor Lawal has any respect left for the people of Zamfara, he should vacate office to allow more competent leadership to restore peace and security to the state.
"This is no longer about politics. It is about life and death. He has failed. He knows it. Everyone knows it. His continued stay in office is a mockery of the pain and bloodshed we have endured. He should resign with what's left of his dignity," Mohammed stated.
The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a special security operation in Zamfara, deploy additional troops, and treat the situation as a national emergency, warning that Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the scale of terror in the state.
"Zamfara is bleeding. The President must act. But before that, the governor must go," the group emphasized.
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