The Federal Government has refuted the claim that it was in talks with the bandits who kidnapped some students and staff of the Federal University, Gusau, in Zamfara State. The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the allegation was false and misleading and that no government official was involved in any negotiation with any bandit or group of bandits.
The statement was issued in response to a remark made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who accused some agents of the Federal Government of holding secret talks with the bandits without the knowledge or consent of the state government and the security agencies. Lawal said this had undermined the efforts to end the insecurity and violence that have plagued the state for years.
The Ministry of Defence said that the abducted students and staff were rescued by the Nigerian Army, not by any dialogue with the bandits. It said that President Bola Tinubu had given a marching order to the military and other security agencies to ensure the release of abducted people. It also said it would continue working with the state government and other stakeholders to restore peace and stability in Zamfara.
Zamfara has been one of the worst-hit states by banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, which have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. The state government has tried various measures to restore peace, such as amnesty, dialogue, and military operations, but none has succeeded.
The Federal Government said it was committed to supporting Zamfara and other affected states in tackling the security challenges. It also urged the public to disregard any information that could jeopardize the ongoing efforts to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.
Source: Tribune Online
