By Asile Abel
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal is facing intense criticism from the Zamfara Progressive Elders Group for hosting a political rally in Gusau, the state capital, amidst escalating bandit attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands across multiple local government areas.
The group, led by Chairman Mustafa Aliyu Kaura, condemned the governor’s actions as “insensitive” and “a slap in the face” of grieving communities.
According to the elders, over 100 people have been killed in coordinated attacks across 11 local government areas in the past two months, with more than 245,000 individuals displaced and seeking shelter in camps across Gusau, Gummi, Tsafe, Shinkafi, Talata Mafara, and Kaura Namoda.
The group questioned the timing of the rally, especially given the governor’s recent return from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
“We believe the funds spent on transporting political loyalists and organizing a motorcade could have been used to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to victims of insecurity or improve basic services like clean water and food supply,” the group stated.
We believe the funds spent on transporting political loyalists and organizing a motorcade could have been used to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to victims of insecurity or improve basic services like clean water and food supply
They also expressed disappointment that Governor Lawal failed to send a word of condolence to families of the deceased in affected areas, including Bukkuyum, Maru, Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Tsafe LGAs.
The Zamfara Progressive Elders Group’s criticism highlights growing tensions and demands for the state government to prioritize restoring peace and rebuilding lives over political activities. Citizens are increasingly vocal about channeling resources towards addressing the state’s security and humanitarian crisis.
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