Politics

Zamfara Indigenes Demand Governor Dauda Lawal’s Resignation After Killing of 35 Villagers Despite ₦50 Million Ransom

Published

8 months ago

July 28, 2025

The Zamfara Good Governance Forum (ZGGF) has called for the immediate resignation of Governor Dauda Lawal over what it described as gross incompetence and unforgivable failure in the face of worsening insecurity in the state, following the brutal killing of 35 abducted villagers in Kaura Namoda LGA despite the payment of ₦50 million in ransom.

The victims, all residents of Banga village, were abducted months ago when armed bandits stormed the community, taking 53 persons hostage and demanding ₦1 million per person for their release.

After weeks of painful efforts, the village raised and paid ₦50 million, but only 18 of the captives were returned. The rest were slaughtered by their abductors in cold blood, one after the other, during their captivity, according to survivors.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Monday, the ZGGF, through its President, Alhaji Sani Mohammed , described the situation as the latest example of the shameful collapse of governance and leadership under Governor Lawal, whose approach to security is marked by inconsistency, political gamesmanship, and a complete lack of strategy.

“What happened in Banga village is a national tragedy. Thirty-five innocent citizens were slaughtered like animals — even after a ransom of ₦50 million was paid. And yet, the governor who swore an oath to protect lives and property is busy playing hide and seek with the same terrorists,” the statement read.

The group lambasted Lawal for what it described as a dangerous pattern of double-speak, noting that while the governor publicly denounces amnesty for bandits, he is often seen meeting with their leaders either in the government house or in undisclosed locations in the bush.

“This governor cannot be trusted. One day, he says amnesty is wrong, the next day he welcomes bandit commanders like honoured guests. Is he in charge of the state or working for the same people who are turning Zamfara into a killing field?” Mohammed asked.

The group further argued that Lawal, who heavily criticised the security failures of his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, has not only failed to do better but has shown signs of confusion and desperation, with no coherent policy to stem the bloodshed.

“Before his election, Dauda Lawal positioned himself as the messiah Zamfara needed. He spoke like a man who understood the scale of the crisis. But today, it is obvious he had no plan — only ambition,” the forum declared.

According to the ZGGF, under Lawal’s leadership, rural communities like Banga have been left at the mercy of bloodthirsty criminals who now exert full control over territories, force villagers to pay taxes, kidnap at will, and punish those who resist their rule.

“Banga is now ruled by terrorists. Neighbouring villages are deserted. Women are being raped, men are being killed or abducted. What is this governor doing apart from press conferences and photo ops?” the group asked.

The forum insisted that if Governor Lawal has any respect left for the people of Zamfara, he should vacate office and allow a more competent, courageous hand to take over the task of restoring peace and sanity to the state.

“This is no longer about politics. It is about life and death. He has failed. He knows it. Everyone knows it. His continued stay in office is a mockery of the pain and bloodshed we have endured. He should resign with what’s left of his dignity,” Mohammed said.

The group also urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a special security operation in Zamfara, deploy more troops, and treat the situation as a national emergency, warning that the country cannot afford to ignore the scale of terror in the state.

“Zamfara is bleeding. The President must act. But before that, the governor must go,” the statement concluded.

Cover

Renewed Hope Group Welcomes Tinubu’s Appointment of Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach

Published

1 month ago

February 19, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network (RHAN) has described the appointment of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (South West zone) as a well-earned recognition of merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.

In a statement released today and signed by its Convener, Opialu M. Opialu, the grassroots organisation praised President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the strategic role to a man widely regarded as one of his most dependable and longest-serving political allies.

“Rt. Hon. James Faleke’s appointment is the logical elevation of a tested hand who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational brilliance, and rock-solid loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope project,” Opialu stated.

The statement highlighted Faleke’s critical contribution during the 2023 presidential campaign, where he served as National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Describing the lawmaker as the engine room coordinator of nationwide mobilisation efforts, the group credited him with bridging ethnic, regional, and ideological divides, galvanising party structures, and sustaining momentum even amid intense opposition.

“Despite daunting challenges, he never flinched. His strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and unshakeable belief in Asiwaju’s vision were decisive factors in delivering the Tinubu-Shettima victory,” the statement added.

RHAN also underscored Hon. Faleke’s legendary loyalty, noting that for over two decades he has remained a consistent pillar of support for President Tinubu across multiple political battles and campaigns.

“In an era when political fidelity is increasingly rare, Rt. Hon. Faleke stands out as a shining example of principle, sacrifice, and steadfastness.

“His faithfulness has inspired countless party members and remains one of the strongest proof to the enduring bond between him and our President,” Opialu remarked.

On the legislative front, the statement celebrated Faleke’s distinguished record as the representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency.

Looking ahead, RHAN expressed confidence that Faleke’s wealth of experience will now supercharge grassroots engagement, strengthen party structures in the South West, and deepen national support for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are convinced that this appointment will inject fresh energy into our mobilisation efforts and set the stage for even greater electoral and governance successes in the years ahead,” Opialu concluded.

The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network wished Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke “resounding success” in his new assignment and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he discharges his duties.

Politics

RSHA continues impeachment of Fubara, writes Chief Judge

Published

2 months ago

January 16, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Rivers House of Assembly has continued its resolution to impeach Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Nma Odu.

All 26 members of the Assembly on Friday unanimously resolved during plenary to proceed with the impeachment process against both Fubara and Odu.

Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to write to the Chief Judge(CJ) of the State, as enshrined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They are urging the CJ to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to examine the alleged gross misconduct leveled against the governor and his deputy.

Politics

Sen. Yari’s constituency office lauds APC e-registration exercise in Zamfara

Published

2 months ago

January 9, 2026

Daily Mirror

Hon. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, the Coordinator, Sen.. Abdul’aziz Yari Constituency office for Zamfara West Senatorial District, has commended the ongoing nationwide membership e-registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sarkinfawa, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Gusau on Thursday, stated that the exercise would promote integrity and credibility in the party membership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC nationwide e-registration exercise commenced recently and would run until the end of this month.

He described the exercise as the bedrock for internal democracy.

“The APC e-registration would strength the party’s membership.

“The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is a wise political initiative and imperative determined to upgrade the data of the progressive party members electorally,” Sarkinfawa further said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the APC proud and wished him more strength ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

According to him, Yari and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had already built a stronger political platform in the APC structure of the state.

“Therefore, we are expecting a tremendous success.at the end of the exercise” he added.

Sarkinfawa further said, the exercise would provide an ample opportunity for all the eligible members of the party to be duly captured in its digital register.

He added, “It will also ensure accuracy, transparency and integrity in the party’s membership.

“The exercise guarantees sanity and credibility of the party’s membership register.

“A data-driven membership registration is expected to capture every eligible member of the party across the 147 political wards of the state.

“Therefore, our members should participate fully in the exercise and make sure they are captured electronically.

“I therefore urge all APC members and stakeholders in the state to take full advantage of the e-registration and participate promptly and responsibly.$

Sarkinfawa further described the APC as the most dominant political party in Zamfara and Nigeria. adding that it would record massive victories in the 2027 General Elections.