Zamfara Governor Rejects Negotiation With Bandits as 50 Elders Remain Captive

Governor Dauda Lawal has firmly ruled out negotiations with bandits, even as concerns continue to grow over the abduction of 50 elderly residents of Zamfara State who remain in captivity after attempting to broker peace with armed criminals.

The victims, all from Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area, were reportedly kidnapped earlier this month after visiting a bandits’ hideout in a desperate effort to negotiate peace and secure access to farmlands ahead of the farming season.

The development has sparked widespread concern across Zamfara, with many residents questioning both the worsening insecurity in the state and the safety of communities forced to explore self-help measures.

Reports indicate that the elders embarked on the mission voluntarily and sought to meet a notorious bandit leader identified as Jammo, who is said to control parts of the Muntsira Forest axis. Their goal was to secure an agreement that would allow villagers return to their farms without fear of attacks or abduction.

However, the peace mission ended in tragedy after the armed group allegedly rejected the proposal and instead detained all 50 delegates.

The incident has triggered fresh debate over Zamfara’s security crisis, with many residents divided over whether dialogue or military action remains the best path to restoring peace.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Lawal strongly condemned the move by the elders, describing the trip as unauthorized and dangerous.

“They did not inform the authority before embarking on such dangerous step they have taken,” the governor said.

He made it clear that his administration had no involvement in the peace mission and insisted the state government would not support direct talks with criminal groups.

“They are on their own,” he added.

The governor questioned why individuals would take such a sensitive decision without government approval, reiterating his administration’s long-standing policy against negotiating with bandits.

“As I said, who sent them to negotiate?”

“It certainly was not the government. We have consistently stated that we do not support negotiations with terrorists.”

Lawal maintained that Zamfara has learned painful lessons from past reconciliation efforts, noting that previous administrations explored peace deals with bandits without lasting success.

According to him, those past efforts failed to end violence and only strengthened criminal networks operating in the state.

He argued that negotiation often gives armed groups room to regroup, expand operations and acquire more weapons.

“From the outset, my position has been clear: I will not negotiate with terrorists.”

“That remains my position today.”

The governor said while insecurity has not been completely eliminated, security operations in the state have produced noticeable results.

He stated that intensified military pressure has weakened several criminal groups, though some attacks still occur as bandits move into vulnerable areas.

Lawal also linked the relative improvement in security to increased agricultural activity in some parts of the state.

According to him, farming output improved significantly last year due to better security conditions in several communities.

Still, the abduction of the 50 elders has renewed criticism of the state government’s hardline stance.

Some residents argue that refusing dialogue has prolonged suffering in many rural communities, where farmers continue to face attacks, extortion and forced levies imposed by bandits.

In several affected communities, locals have reportedly resorted to private arrangements with armed groups just to gain access to their farms.

These informal deals often involve payment of heavy taxes or levies to bandits in exchange for temporary protection.

A resident of Gusau, Usman Alkali, said many villages have suffered severe consequences as insecurity persists.

According to him, repeated attacks have displaced hundreds of families and crippled farming activities across multiple communities.

“As a result of Governor Lawal’s stance, hundreds of villages were sacked in the state, while farming activities have totally grounded,” he said.

However, not all residents oppose the governor’s position.

Some believe dialogue with armed groups would only worsen the crisis and embolden criminals.

A large-scale farmer, Alhaji Garba Mohammed, backed the governor’s refusal to negotiate, insisting bandits cannot be trusted.

“To me, the issue of negotiating with bandits should be avoided by the government because they are not sincere,” he said.

He argued that previous negotiations only encouraged criminal groups to demand more money while continuing attacks.

Others, however, want a different approach. Businessman Alhaji Mustafa Ibrahim appealed to the governor to consider dialogue as a practical step toward ending the bloodshed.

“We are tired of these atrocities and we want the government to negotiate with them so that peace will return to the state,” he said.