The Coalition for Safer North-West Communities (CSNC), a northern civic advocacy group, has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of causing the escalating insecurity in Zamfara State. The group pointed to his “lack of courage and serious administrative failure” as key factors behind the worsening situation.
Governor’s Leadership Failures Impact Zamfara’s Safety
In a strongly worded statement signed by its President, Alhaji Murtala Shehu Gusau, on Wednesday, CSNC stated that the rising wave of kidnappings, killings, and banditry in the state reflects the failure of leadership at the highest level. Despite military deployments and federal interventions, Zamfara remains one of the most dangerous states, largely due to the governor’s inability to act decisively or coordinate an effective security strategy.
“We are alarmed at the continued deterioration of security in Zamfara State. After careful assessment, we have no choice but to hold the state government accountable. Governor Dauda Lawal has shown a worrying lack of courage in the face of terror. He has failed to provide leadership that inspires confidence in both residents and security agencies,” the group declared.
Call for Immediate Action and Accountability
CSNC said Zamfara’s rural areas have become killing fields, with residents in the state capital living in fear of abduction. Despite repeated assurances from the governor, the situation continues to worsen.
“It’s not enough to issue statements from Gusau. What the people need is action. From Dansadau to Maru, Anka to Tsafe, farmers can’t access their farmlands, women are kidnapped in broad daylight, and children grow up under the sound of gunfire,” Alhaji Gusau said.
The group criticized the governor’s inconsistent approach to security, lack of collaboration with federal authorities, and failure to rally local leaders for intelligence gathering.
“Zamfara is bleeding, and the government seems more interested in political propaganda than real solutions. How many more must die before we see real action? The governor must admit his failure and step aside for new ideas,” CSNC added.
The group also accused Lawal’s administration of sidelining key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, local vigilantes, and federal agencies, while attempting to centralize control without the capacity to manage the security crisis.
“We must stop pretending things are normal. Zamfara is in an emergency. If Governor Dauda Lawal cannot show the willpower to govern in a crisis, he must admit that leadership is not for him,” the statement said.
Transparency Demanded in Security Spending
CSNC also raised questions about the state’s security spending, demanding transparency on how billions allocated for security have been used.
“We challenge the Zamfara State Government to publish a breakdown of its security spending for 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. We deserve to know how public funds meant to protect lives are being spent,” Gusau said.
The group urged the National Assembly to conduct an independent review of the security situation and propose solutions.
“This is not the time for silence. Zamfara’s future is at stake. We urge Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis and other lawmakers to raise their voices and ensure the suffering of our people is heard,” CSNC concluded.
The group promised to keep pressuring both state and federal leaders until security and governance in Zamfara improve.
“We want peace, but peace requires bold leadership, integrity, and vision, all of which are missing from the current government. Governor Dauda Lawal must take responsibility or step aside,” the statement ended.
