In a recent interview, Governor Lawal highlighted the paradox of having advanced surveillance technology—such as satellites and drones—that can track the movements of criminals in real-time, yet security operatives consistently fail to act on this intelligence. "We have the tools to monitor every movement of these bandits," he said. "The data is shared instantly with all relevant agencies—the police, military, DSS, and Civil Defence. But for some reason, it’s not treated as urgent. How can armed criminals operate freely if the state has the means to stop them? It makes no sense."
The governor did not mince words when addressing the perceived incompetence of security forces, questioning how terrorists could seemingly overpower the state’s resources. "These criminals live among us. They are not invisible, nor are they invincible. If we have the intelligence and the means, why is it so difficult to neutralize them?" he asked. His remarks underscore a growing tension between state governments and federal security agencies over the handling of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Governor Lawal revealed that he had personally met with President Bola Tinubu to present the true state of affairs in Zamfara and parts of Kaduna, accusing some officials of downplaying the severity of the crisis. "I told the president plainly that he was not being given the full picture," he said. "The situation is far worse than what is being reported to him."
Beyond insecurity, the governor painted a grim portrait of Zamfara’s overall condition when he assumed office. The state was grappling with a collapsed healthcare system, unpaid salaries, an empty treasury, and a complete lack of potable water in Gusau for five months. Students were unable to sit for national examinations due to unpaid fees, and government offices—including the Government House—had their electricity disconnected over unpaid bills. Governor Lawal admitted that he had to rely on personal funds to keep basic governance functions running.
Yet, despite these challenges, he emphasized that insecurity remains the most urgent threat. He warned that continued negligence from security agencies would only embolden criminal groups, further destabilizing Zamfara and neighboring states.
His concerns were tragically validated just days ago when bandits launched a brutal attack on Moriki town in Zurmi Local Government Area. Armed with sophisticated weapons, the assailants stormed the community, killing a senior local government official, Lauwali Musa Moriki, and abducting several residents, including members of his family. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire sent people fleeing in panic.
The attack has left Moriki town in mourning and reignited anger over the perceived inaction of security forces. Locals claim they had repeatedly alerted authorities about suspicious movements, yet no preventive measures were taken. Rural communities like Moriki remain vulnerable due to poor security presence and difficult terrain, making them easy targets for armed groups.
Governor Lawal’s outspoken criticism reflects a broader frustration among state leaders who feel abandoned in the fight against banditry. His call for urgent intervention underscores the need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to security—one that prioritizes actionable intelligence and swift response. Without it, the cycle of violence in Zamfara and beyond shows no signs of ending.
