The fundamental duty of any government is to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens. This principle forms the bedrock of a society where people can thrive, businesses can grow and communities can flourish. When a government fails in this duty, the very essence of governance is called into question. Today, Zamfara State finds itself at such a crossroads—a juncture where the need for decisive action by the federal government has become a matter of life and death.
Insecurity in Zamfara has escalated to unprecedented levels, with no area of the state remaining untouched by the scourge of banditry and terrorism. The situation has deteriorated so severely that even the state capital, Gusau, once considered a safe haven, is now under constant threat. Bandits operate with impunity, attacking citizens, law enforcement agents and even areas close to the homes of prominent figures. The recent attack in Gusau that claimed the lives of two policemen is a grim reminder of how close the chaos has come to the heart of governance in the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal, who has been in office for over a year, appears overwhelmed by the security challenges facing Zamfara. Under his leadership, the state’s security apparatus has faltered, leaving all 14 local government areas vulnerable to banditry. This is a stark contrast to the situation a year ago, under his predecessor Bello Matawalle, when these same areas were relatively free from such terror. The abandonment of farmlands, the displacement of communities and the overall breakdown of law and order paint a bleak picture of a state on the brink of collapse.
It is disheartening to note that Governor Lawal seems more preoccupied with political vendettas than with the pressing need to address the security crisis. Reports suggest that instead of rallying all available resources to combat the menace of banditry, he is more focused on embarking on white elephant pursuit of silencing his political opponents. This is not just irresponsible governance; it is a dereliction of duty that cannot be tolerated any longer.
The federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must recognize that the situation in Zamfara is not just a state problem—it is a national emergency. The continued loss of lives, the displacement of thousands and the disruption of economic activities in Zamfara pose a significant threat to national security. Having been left unchecked, the chaos in Zamfara is now spilling over into neighboring states, like Sokoto, Kano, thereby creating a broader security crisis.
Therefore, it is imperative that President Tinubu takes immediate and decisive action by declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara. This would allow the federal government to take direct control of the state’s security apparatus, deploy additional military and police forces and implement strategies that can restore peace and order within six months. Such a declaration would also send a strong message to all state actors that political gamesmanship will not be tolerated when the lives of Nigerians are at stake.
If the federal government fails to act, the people of Zamfara may be left with no choice but to resort to self-help. The consequences of such a development are dire. History has shown that when citizens lose faith in the government’s ability to protect them, they take matters into their own hands, often leading to vigilante justice, further violence and breakdown of social order.
In conclusion, the need for a state of emergency in Zamfara is not just a social necessity; it is a moral imperative. The federal government must rise to the occasion, fulfill its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property, and ensure that the people of Zamfara going forward do not perish under the weight of a government that has failed them thus far. The time for action is now—before it is too late.
Signed:
Comr. Luqman Dadi
Comr. Mohammed Lawal
Barr. Abubakar Dangusau
Mal. Usman Malami
