Olusegun Ariyo
Zamfara State Government has said it remains resolute in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminality across the state.
It disowned some documents being circulated, insinuating that it had released huge funds to some bandits’ kingpins for dialogue in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abubakar Nakwada who addressed newsmen in Gusau on Thursday said the documents “were not only fake but also mischievous, misleading, malicious and false.”
Nakwada said that the documents with his signature and other top government officials were forged.
He said the security agencies had been properly briefed and were on trail to track down the social media source.
The official also faulted the claims that money was paid to some media promoters under the guise of “reconciliation efforts” from the state Security Trust Fund.
“This is very crucial that we address this matter with transparency and urgency.
“Ordinarily, we should have ignored this, like we have ignored many other fabricated lies aimed at distracting the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal from its commitment in rescuing and rebuilding the state.
“But due to the sensitivity of the security, which remains one of the priorities of this administration, we are compelled to make some clarifications,” the SSG said.
Nakwada said to set the records straight, the purported memo allegedly said to have originated from his office to Gov. Dauda Lawal was entirely fake and mischievous.
“The state government has consistently announced its firm stance against negotiating with the bandits and terrorists.
“We still maintain the position that we will not negotiate with terrorists.
Our administration has been unequivocal in its approach to addressing the security challenges facing our state,” Nakwada explained.
He said the state government had implemented strategic measures to combat the menace of banditry, adding that the efforts were always guided by integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well being of people.
“The fabricated document and the baseless claims it contains are not only distracting but also an attempt to erode the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have on Gov Lawal’s administration to restore peace and order,” he said.
