Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has again restated his administration’s commitments to ending banditry in the state by establishing a Security Trust Fund.
Dauda said the era of banditry and other criminal activities in the state is over, noting that for long, insecurity has crippled the state in almost all the sectors of human endeavor.
The governor while inaugurating the 21-member Board of Trustees of the fund on Wednesday, said the initiative is to aid the government’s efforts in tackling ongoing insecurity bedeviling the state.
Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Governor’s spokesperson in a statement quoted Dauda as saying that this decision was informed by the need to mobilize support to address the persistent insecurity especially banditry that continued to claimed lives and properties of innocent citizens while many were rendered homeless.
“The decision to establish the Trust Fund was motivated by the recognition that the security situation in the State, along with its attendant consequences, has become a matter of grave concern not only to the Government and citizens of Zamfara State but also to the entire nation.
“Over the years, the criminal activities have led to the tragic loss of thousands of lives and the destruction of billions of naira worth of means of livelihood in the state. Moreover, it has severely weakened our economy, causing significant repercussions in vital sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and commerce.
“Consequently, it is evident that we have to widen our horizons in the quest for viable and enduring solutions to the issue”, said Dauda.
According to the governor, to guarantee prudence and effectiveness in discharging the Board’s duties and responsibilities, he meticulously appointed individuals with a proven track record of integrity, such as former Inspector General MD Abubakar, mni, who was appointed as chairman and Dr. Hamza Muhammad as Administrative Secretary.
“Many of them come from backgrounds in security with broad experience in public service and private sectors. The board comprises MD Abubakar, Mni, CFR Rtd Inspector General of Police as chairman”.
“Board members are the Emir of Anka, Col Bala Mande (Rtd), Brig. Gen. Abdulkadir Gummi, Brig. Gen. L.B. Mohammed, Ambassador Bello Anka, Mrs. Lubnah Muhammad Gusau, Faruku Sambo Gusau, State Chairman, Local Security Outfit, Rep. of Ministry of Justice, Rep. of Ministry for Internal Security, Rep. of Ministry of Finance, Rep. Min. for Local Govt & Chieftaincy Affairs, Rep. of State Bureau for Public Procurement.
“Others are Rep. of Nigeria Police Force, Rep. of Armed Forces, Rep. of Department of State Service, Rep. of Nig. Security and Civil Defense Corps, Rep. of Religious Institution, Abubakar Shehu, and Dr. Hamza Muhammad and Administrative Secretary”, he added.
In remarks after their inauguration, the Chairman of the Board, the former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar RTD, enjoined the people of the state to work together to overcome security challenges.
“We are doing this for the future of Zamfara State. We must all come together to support this fund with the little we can. There is no time for sleeping now; we have to wake up”.
“I want to reassure you about our commitment; we shall do our best regarding safety and security”, he said.
