Securing Zamfara remains my priority –Lawal

Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to end banditry, kidnapping and general insecurity in the state.

This is contained in a statement in Gusau on Monday by Sulaiman Idris, spokesperson to the governor.

Lawal made the appeal while chairing the 18th meeting of the State Executive Council at the Government House, Gusau.

Dauda noted that, securing the state from banditry, kidnapping and insecurity remained a priority of his government, adding that it is a collective obligation of all stakeholders.

The council discussed important issues, including security, education, health and infrastructural development, among others.

“I would like to remind us of our collective obligations in this administration concerning the fight against insecurity.

“We have made significant progress and succeeded in restoring relative calm to most areas of the state. The terror of bandits has been crippled, unlike in previous years.

“I urge you all to be proactive, stay accessible to your constituents and elected local government officials, and consistently provide status reports to the Hon. Commissioner for Security. Let us pray for the souls of all our fallen heroes,” he said.

Lawal further encouraged council members to foster good working relationships and synergy with other political appointees and elected officials for effective operations.

Our correspondent recalls that Lawal on Oct. 17, urged the State Ulama Council to embark on Qunut Al-Nazilah prayer as part of an effort to end insecurity in the state.

Lawal, during a meeting with the Ulama council, noted that his administration had made significant progress in the fight against the menace.

Lawal, however, tasked the Council to offer the Qunut prayers as part of an effort to restore permanent peace to the state.

Qunut Al-Nazilah is a prayer, specially offered during times of calamity. The general du’a is offered to ask Allah for guidance, well-being, and protection.

“We have made significant progress in the fight against banditry, but we are not yet where we want to be.

“We will not give up until we secure Zamfara and see the full return of peace to our beloved State.

“This is a collective effort. We must do it together,” Lawal said.

The governor emphasized the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and stability in the state and the general public.

“Religious leaders play a vital role in everything we do in Zamfara because they are close to the people and our community listens to them, especially in shaping narratives.

“This is why I consistently urge the Ulama Council to promote peace and advocate for adherence to the law whenever possible. Only through such efforts can we attain the peace we desire in Zamfara State,” Lawal added.