A group of bandits has expressed their desire for peace talks with Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, as revealed in a viral video circulating on Thursday. In the video, Garba Habeeb, claiming to be their leader, appealed for negotiations between his faction and the state government, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence in Zamfara State.
He urged Governor Lawal to “fear God” and lead the state towards peace, highlighting the futility of continued conflict and the necessity for finding common ground to resolve differences.
Efforts to reach the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, for comment were unsuccessful as his phone lines were inaccessible, and text messages went unanswered.
This call for dialogue comes after similar gestures by bandits in 2019, where they outlined conditions for disarmament, including halting extrajudicial killings of herdsmen and freedom to attend local markets without fear.
Governor Lawal recently called for increased military presence in response to heightened insecurity in the state. During a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, in Abuja, Lawal briefed him on the security situation in Zamfara State, expressing concerns over the resurgence of attacks in certain areas.
He appealed to General Musa to deploy additional troops and equipment to address the security challenges facing the state.
