The Zamfara Good Governance Forum (ZGGF) has called for the immediate resignation of Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of gross incompetence and failure to address the escalating security crisis in the state.
The demand follows the killing of 35 kidnapped residents of Banga village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, despite the payment of a N50 million ransom by the community.
The victims were among 53 villagers abducted months ago by suspected bandits who reportedly demanded N1 million per person for their release. Survivors claim that although the ransom was paid, only 18 hostages were freed, while the remaining 35 were allegedly executed by the abductors during captivity.
In a statement issued Monday in Gusau, ZGGF President, Alhaji Sani Mohammed, described the incident as “a national tragedy” and said it reflects a total breakdown of leadership under Governor Lawal.
“Thirty-five innocent citizens were slaughtered after a ransom was paid. The governor, who pledged to protect lives, continues to engage in political games while terrorists operate unchecked,” the statement read.
The Forum criticized what it called the governor’s inconsistent stance on negotiations with bandits, alleging that despite publicly rejecting amnesty policies, Lawal has held private meetings with bandit leaders.
“This governor cannot be trusted. He has no coherent strategy to end the bloodshed,” Mohammed said.
ZGGF further noted that Lawal, who had previously criticized his predecessor’s handling of security, has failed to offer better alternatives, leaving rural communities like Banga vulnerable to criminal gangs that now control territories, impose taxes, and abduct at will.
The group urged Governor Lawal to resign, stating that his continued stay in office was an insult to victims of insecurity across the state.
“This is no longer about politics. It’s about survival. If the governor has any honour left, he should step down,” the group said.
The Forum also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare a special security operation in Zamfara, deploy more military personnel, and treat the crisis as a national emergency.
“Zamfara is bleeding. The federal government must act now,” the statement concluded.
