By: John Bassey, Zamfara.
Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal has visited the families of the 35 persons who were slain by heartless bandits in Kaura Namoda LGA, assuring them of more improved security strategies that would enhance the release of the remnants in captivity and bring a permanent end to abduction of persons and other criminalities in Zamfara.
He stated this while addressing the families of the banditry victims in Banga, sakajiki, kuriya Madaro, Maguru and other communities within Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Received by His Royal Highness, Major General Sanusi Muhammad Aisha, the Emir of Kaura Namoda Emirate, Governor Lawal called on residents to intensify prayers and intelligence for the Almighty Allah to expose and disgrace those behind banditry in the state.
Dauda Lawal condemned the killings and unnecessary kidnapping of helpless farmers within the settlements, describing it as senseless acts of terror.
He stressed that safety of life and property are the major reasons God gave him victory at the polls over a ruling party in the past two years and politics must not be mixed with issues of security of his people.
The governor assured residents that his administration is committed to restoring peace and will not relent in its security efforts, despite acts of sabotage from some quarters.
He also described the incident as a trial from the Almighty and prayed for divine protection over the people of the area and the sudden justice over the perpetrators.
Governor Lawal also prayed that, any person in the position of authority who involved in the crimes be shamefully removed from power, and for anyone rejoicing over such tragedies to be deprived of mercy of the Almighty God.
Dr Lawal added that, it was his duty as a Governor to personally visit and sympathize with the victims, praying for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and safe rescue of those still in captivity.
He explained that, he was outside the country when the incident occurred, but had directed senior government officials to visit the community on his behalf.
“When the incident happened, I was not in Nigeria. I had travelled, and only returned yesterday. Upon receiving the news, I delegated my Deputy, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, Commissioners, and other senior government officials to visit and sympathize with you on my behalf”
“Alhamdulillah, I have confirmed that they came to this town and condoled with the people. However, as Governor, whenever such an incident occurs, it is my duty to personally come and condole with you. That is why I decided that, it was necessary to be here in Kaura Namoda to sympathize with the communities and I pray that those who lost their lives will be granted forgiveness by Almighty Allah”.
He also prayed for those in the hands of bandits, asking Allah to secure their release safely and without harm, assuring them of support to the victims and the families of the deceased.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Sheikh Bello Almufty, offered special prayers for lasting peace in Zamfara State and Nigeria.
The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy Mani Malam Mumini and other top Government officials and was received by the Emir of Kaura Namoda, Alhaji Sanusi Asha.
Some residents who spoke with Journalists at the event appealed to the state and Federal Government to intensify effort to ensure lasting peace and safe rescue of those in captivity.