FG replies Zamfara Governor, denies negotiating with bandits
By Jennifer S Kuwanta
The federal government has reacted to the Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal’s claim of negotiating with bandits.
Recall that Northeaststarlive reported that the Governor called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the Federal Government into the secretive negotiations held with bandits in the State.
Lawal who has consistently ruled out the option of negotiating with bandits, accused the federal government of secretly negotiating with some bandits who abducted some school girls in the State.
Read Also: NAF Launches Airstrikes On IPOB/ESN Hideouts In Anambra, Imo States
He also claimed that he has enough facts to expose the agents of the federal government behind the purported secret negotiation with bandits.
However reacting to the claim, Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said the federal government was only carrying out the marching order given by President Bola Tinubu to rescue the victims.
In the statement released by the acting spokesman of the ministry, Attari Hope, the Minister claimed that their plan has started yielding results.
The statement read;
“The Minister debunked the claim and allegation pointing out that federal government is negotiating with the terrorists. The federal government is working assiduously round the clock to ensure that the girls and others return home.
“The Minister said that the allegation is false and misleading as the Ministry has not mandated any body or group to negotiate on behalf of Federal Government.
“He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given marching order to Military and other security agencies to ensure the release of those that were abducted.
“He said that the order of Mr. President has started yielding result has 13 of the abducted students and 3 others regained their freedom just this Monday 25, 2023 This feat was achieved through the professional efforts of the Military.”
