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Group criticizes Zamfara gov Lawal as bandits kill 35 in Banga massacre
A civic group, Zamfara Security Advocate Forum, has strongly criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for failing to respond to a brutal massacre in Banga village, Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its chairman on Tuesday,Mustapha Ibrahim banga said “Over 200 residents were abducted by armed bandits in what locals have described as one of the most horrific attacks in the state’s recent history.
“The victims, largely made up of poor farmers and traders, were seized from their homes in the dead of night. The attackers demanded a ransom of ₦100 million.
“In a desperate attempt to rescue their loved ones, the villagers managed to gather ₦70 million, despite their dire economic conditions.
“But rather than securing their freedom, the captors responded with unimaginable cruelty — killing nearly 50 hostages, including women and children.
“No official from the state government visited the affected community. No statement, no condolence, not even a representative was sent.
“We are devastated, not only by the killings but by the complete silence from the very people we elected to protect us,” said Banga.
The group accused Governor Lawal of abandoning his constitutional duty, branding his inaction as a moral and political failure.
The Chairman said “During his campaign, Governor Lawal pledged to end insecurity within two weeks of taking office. Two years on, Zamfara remains one of Nigeria’s most dangerous states.
“Children are being buried in mass graves. Families are being torn apart. And the people say their governor is nowhere to be found.”
According the him,the governor’s silence emboldens terrorists and crushes public confidence in leadership.
“The people of Zamfara did not vote for a ghost. They voted for a leader,” said Banga.
