Minister to Dauda Lawal: FG isn’t negotiating release of Zamfara students with bandits

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says there is no federal government official negotiating the release of the kidnapped Zamfara students with bandits.  

Earlier on Monday, Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, in a statement, accused the federal government of negotiating with terrorists in the state without his knowledge. 

The governor said he has reports that negotiations were being carried out with some terrorists in various LGAs in the state.

 While reacting to the allegation in a statement by Suleiman Haruna, his spokesperson, the minister said the governor’s claim indicated that he has chosen to “play politics with the sensitive matter”.

The minister said the federal government institutions are empowered by law to ensure the safe return of citizens illegally taken hostage. 

Idris said the non-disclosure of such delicate operations by the institutions responsible does not make it “anyway surreptitious, as the Zamfara state government atrociously described this effort”.

“The government, however, maintains its resolve to explore every available avenue that can lead to de-escalation of tension and bring back peace to communities ravaged by banditry,” the statement reads. 

“However, if communities decide to borrow a leaf from what has helped quench unrest in other parts of the country to engage themselves in dialogue, the Federal Government would not be in a haste to condemn such people-driven initiative.

“The Minister assures Nigerians that the federal government and its institutions are working assiduously to turn around the current situation and bring an end to the ebbing cases of banditry, kidnapping and all forms of criminality.

“Political differences or personal fights with anybody should not be brought into the serious matter of national security to avoid demoralising our troops or derailing the government’s efforts. 

“Finally, the Minister maintains that the Federal Government is willing to listen and continue its ongoing engagement with all stakeholders across the country in working out a lasting solution to our security problems. We urge all to put hands on deck with us.”