Zamfara State government has denied paying notorious terrorists and media promoters N1.378 billion under the guise of “reconciliation efforts” from the State Security Trust Fund.

The state government denied this in a press statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the state government in reaction to a leaked document which revealed the amounts allegedly paid to notorious bandits and media promoters, for reconciliation efforts.

A letter addressed to Governor Dauda Lawal and signed by the Secretary to State Government, Mallam Abubakar M. Nakwada, had asked the governor to provide funds to finance the reconciliation programme with bandits in order to bring the menace of bandits to an end.

The letter read, “His Excellency may wish to take the cognisance of the fact that the level of insecurity in the state has now reached that of a dangerous cancer worm that has ravaged the fabrics of our social and psychological existence.

“In view of this urgent need and the directives by Your Excellency to provide funds to finance the state government reconciliation programme with bandits in order to bring the menace to an end, I wish to submit the proposal as follows for Your Excellency’s kind approval: A. Bandits Kingpins

“Kachalla Dogo Gide = N200,000,000; Kachalla Bello Turji = N200,000,000; Ado Alero = N200,000,000; Kachalla Halilu Sububu = N150,000,000; Gwaska Dan Karami = N150,000,000.

“Media Promoters: Sahara Reporters = N100, 000,000; Jackson Ude = N158,000,000; Bashir Hadejia = N100,000,000; Shuaibu Mungadi = N50,000.000; Tijjani Lamaran = N50,000,000; Danbilki Kwamanda = N20,000,000; Total = N1,378, 000,000.
“His Excellency may wish to note that the sum of One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy Eight Million Naira is required to implement the project.“In view of the importance of this project and the several initiatives Zamfara State has undertaken to address security challenges facing the state, His Excellency is therefore invited to

“Approve the above expenditure from the state Security Trust Fund.

“Direct the state ministry of finance to release the said amount for distribution to the beneficiaries listed above as a matter of urgency.”

However, Nakwada in a press briefing on Thursday on behalf of the state government, described the document as fake and the handiwork of political enemies.

Nakwada said, “Ordinarily, we should have ignored this, like we have ignored many other fabricated lies aimed at distracting this government from its commitment to rescuing and rebuilding Zamfara 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.

“To set the records straight, the purported memo allegedly said to have originated from my office to the Executive Governor is entirely fake and mischievous.

“The Zamfara State Government under His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal has consistently announced its firm stance against negotiating with the bandit 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.

“We have implemented strategic measures to combat the menace of banditry, and our efforts have always been guided by integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well- being of our people.

“The fabricated document and the baseless claims it contain are not only distracting but also attempt to erode the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have in our leadership and our efforts to restore peace and order.

“It is essential to address these falsehoods head-on to ensure that our people are not misled by those who wish to destabilise our progress.”

Nakwada said that the previous administration of Bello Mattawalle tried dialogue with bandits but failed.

He said, “Unfortunately, it not only failed, but also complicated the problem by empowering these terrorists to become more daring which is backfiring today. “How can we continue to repeat the same thing and expect different results? That is absurd to say the least!

“We believe that this fake memo is part of the sinister attempts to undermine what we are making towards achieving lasting peace and security across the lengths and breadths of the state.
“We urge the public and the media to remain vigilant and not to fall prey to the deceitful tactics employed by those who wish to derail our mission.”

According to Nakwada, it is paramount to stay united in the face of the challenges, as collective resolve is the cornerstone of strength and success.

He added, “We are committed to transparency and accountability, and we will continue to keep the public informed about our strategies and progress in the fight against banditry.
“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.

“To achieve this, our administration under the able leadership of Governor Lawal has established the Security Trust Fund to help in mobilizing the necessary resources to strengthen the security architecture and provide the required support to our security forces to effectively prosecute the fight against banditry and related crimes across the state.

“We have also introduced Community Protection Guards known as Askarawa to assist the conventional security forces in the fight against banditry.
“Also, we have been collaborating and sharing intelligence with all security establishments including law enforcement agencies in the state to prosecute this fight.

“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 this note, I would like to on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Lawal, commend the efforts of our gallant security agencies for the sacrifices they are making to secure our state.”

He assured the public that the government will continue to take all the “necessary measures within the ambit of the law to ensure the safety and security of our people”.“Finally, I wish to unequivocally state that the government will henceforth not fold its hands to watch some unpatriotic people continue misinforming the public. We are going to track the mischief makers who are forging official documents and take serious legal action against them,” he said.