From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Some residents of Zamfara State have expressed fear of the spate of killings and kidnappings that have pervaded the environment.
The residents who spoke under the aegis of Zamfara Conscience Movement (ZCM), in a statement yesterday, said the viral video, showing gun-wielding men criticising the likes of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, calls for alarm.
ZCM Chairman Sahabi Lawali, called on Governor Dauda Lawal, to fish out the bandits and prosecute them, adding that he should focus on governance to improve the fortune of the people.
Lawali claimed that none of the local government headquarters were ever infiltrated by bandits during Matawalle’s tenure, whereas now, under the current administration, these areas are constantly under attack.
He said: “The lack of action from Governor Lawal in addressing these frequent invasions is disappointing. Instead of consoling with the victims or condemning the attacks, Governor Lawal seems more focused on criticizing his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.
“This misplaced focus has resulted in wasted resources and energy that could have been better utilized in providing relief for the people who are suffering from these attacks.
“It is time for Governor Lawal to shift his attention from political squabbles to the pressing issue of security in the state. Cooperating with the federal government’s effort in addressing the root causes of these attacks and implementing effective measures to prevent future invasions should be the main focus of the government.
“Immediate and thorough measures are critical to safeguard the interests of the citizens and uphold the sanctity of the political process in Zamfara State.”