Zamfara Govt Denies Claim Of Funding Terrorism

The Zamfara State Government has categorically rejected allegations suggesting that it has allocated a significant amount of money to certain notorious bandit leaders under the guise of reconciliation, purportedly to facilitate mining operations financed by the State Security Trust Fund.

The government reiterated its position of not engaging in negotiations with bandits or any criminal organizations within the state.

This clarification was provided on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, during a press briefing in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.

It is worth noting that Zamfara has been identified as a focal point for illegal mining activities, largely due to its abundant gold and mineral resources.

Such illegal operations have been associated with various adverse effects, including environmental harm, diminished government revenue, and an increase in insecurity.

In light of these concerns, the Zamfara State Government has firmly denied any involvement in mining activities, emphasizing that the Federal Government’s ban on mining is still in effect, and Governor Dauda Lawal has also imposed a statewide ban on mining.

Furthermore, Secretary Nakwada dismissed claims regarding the funding of bandit leaders under the pretense of reconciliation, asserting that the state government remains steadfast in its refusal to negotiate with any terrorist factions.

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He said: “The briefing was to address yet another false information in circulation, alleging that the State Government gave or is planning to give some notorious bandits and media promoters some huge amount of money under the guise of ‘reconciliation efforts” from the State Security Trust Fund’.

“Our administration remains unwavering in its dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties of our people, and we will spare no effort in ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Zamfara

“We have also introduced Community Protection Guards known as Askarawa to assist the conventional security forces in the fight against banditry

“Additionally, we have fortified our technical capabilities by deploying advanced surveillance systems and communication tools, which have significantly enhanced our ability to detect and respond to threats in real-time”

On his part, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mahmud Muhammed also denied the allegations that the state is involved in mining activities in the state.

He said: “As a ministry, Head of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, I can testify that His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal and the entire state government have not once involved themselves in any mining activities. Times without number we receive proposals request from Investors that wants to come into the state, we will always say follow the due process.

“We know there is a ban, we cannot do anything, mining is in the exclusive list, it belongs to the Federal government.”

Meanwhile, the Attorney General of Zamfara State and Commissioner for Justice, Abdul’Aziz Sani (SAN), has stated that the state government would take legal action against the mischief makers.

“This administration is an administration of seriousness, frankness and truth, nobody is here to pretend and nobody is here to sabotage or to play with the lives of the people of this state.

“We have written to the relevant authorities on what needs to be done prelude to taking legal action,” Sani declareds.