Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal revealed that bandits kidnapped his brothers in 2019. The criminals demanded N300 million as ransom. Lawal refused to pay any amount. He told the kidnappers to kill his brothers if they wished.
Lawal spoke during the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja on Thursday. “My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019 and these criminals were demanding about N300 million,” he said. “I said look I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like go and kill them.”
The governor explained his decision. He stated that paying ransoms encouraged more kidnappings. His brothers spent three months in captivity. They gained freedom without any payment. Lawal added that he maintained the same position today. “I will not negotiate and I will not pay ransom to any criminal no matter what happens,” he declared.
Lawal used the incident to support the creation of state police. He noted that governors serve as chief security officers yet lack control over security agencies. He argued that state police would make leaders accountable for safety.
Lawal highlighted his administration’s efforts. The state funded over 30 percent of security operations. It procured more than 500 vehicles and supplied 35 armoured vehicles plus drones.
These actions showed his commitment to fighting banditry through strength rather than negotiation. Lawal stressed that security formed the foundation for development in Zamfara State.
