Government stronger than bandits, peace deals not an option — Gov Lawal

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s rejection of negotiations with bandits, insisting that peace deals with criminal groups are not an option in the state.
The governor made the position known in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, where he stressed that his government remains committed to a military-led approach to tackling insecurity.
Lawal said it is unacceptable for any individual or group to broker peace agreements with bandits, adding that those engaging in such arrangements are doing so on their own and do not represent the state government.
According to him, his administration has consist...