Zamfara State Government has dismissed the claims circulating that it has provided a large sum of money to some notorious bandits leaders under the pretext of reconciliation, and to allow the state government to carry out mining activities, funded by the State Security Trust Fund.

The Secretary to the State government, Abubakar Nakwada made this known while addressing the newsmen in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

The state government also reaffirmed its stance on non-negotiating with bandits or any criminal groups in the state.

Zamfara State has been a hotspot for illegal mining activities, primarily due to its rich deposits of gold and other mineral resources.

The illegal mining operations in the region have been linked to several negative consequences, including environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and a rise in insecurity.

The Zamfara State government while denying the reports of engaging in mining activities, said the Federal Government’s ban on mining remains in force and Governor Dauda Lawal has also placed a ban on mining across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada also denied the report of funding some bandits leaders under the pretext of reconciliation funded by the State Security Trust Fund.

He affirmed the state government’s stance not to negotiate with any terrorist groups

“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”

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

“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.”

The Attorney General of Zamfara State and Commissioner for Justice, Abdul’Aziz Sani (SAN) said 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.”

AFP