The Zamfara Circle Community Initiative has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to address the worsening security situation in Zamfara State.
At a world press conference held in Gusau on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Initiative, Dr. Aminu Lawal, expressed deep concern over the rising wave of armed banditry, mass abductions, killings, and destruction of communities across the state.
Dr. Lawal stated that Zamfara is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that demands both national and international attention.
He urged the Federal Government to accord the state the same priority given to other conflict-affected areas like Benue, Plateau, and Borno states.
"The Circle wants to state unequivocally that, President Bola Tinubu, by his action or inaction, has abandoned the good people of Zamfara state despite the contribution the state gave him during the 2023 general elections as one of the only 2 states won by his party in the North-western region with over 298,000 votes"
"The people of Zamfara are beginning to question whether they have become third-class citizens in their own country. It seems the government has jettisoned one of its most fundamental responsibilities the protection of the lives and property of its citizens"
Key demands by the Zamfara Circle Community Initiative outlined was for Federal government to show genuine commitment to treat Zamfara’s security challenge with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
"Launch a special military operation: President Tinubu should direct the nation’s top military chiefs to initiate a well-coordinated offensive against bandit groups operating in the state"
"Develop a comprehensive security strategy: There is a need for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and victims of violence across the North-West"
The Chairman of the Initiative also emphasized the nedd for the Federal government to Deploy more security personnel to reclaim ungoverned spaces currently under the control of criminal groups.
"Support internally displaced persons (IDPs): The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should immediately provide food, shelter, and healthcare for thousands of displaced citizens"
Dr. Aminu Lawal condemned the recent massacre in Banga Ward of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where 35 abductees were killed by bandits after a four-month captivity and failed ransom negotiations.
He noted that 53 residents, including women and children, were initially kidnapped and that 18 survivors released were found severely malnourished and traumatized — yet received no support from government authorities.
The Initiative also expressed sympathy to victims of recent attacks in Waramu (Anka LGA), Chediya (Tsafe LGA), and Fegin Mahe (Gusau LGA), among others, where entire communities have been razed or displaced.
The Cycle further called on International Organizations such as African Union (AU), ECOWAS, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN) to intervene in the crisis, noting that Zamfara has been in turmoil for over 15 years.
“We ask: when will you come to the aid of the people of Zamfara? This once peaceful state has become a tragic epicenter of killings, poverty, and hopelessness,” Dr. Lawal said.
While Presenting data compiled by the Zamfara Circle Security Appraisal Committee (ZC-SAC), Dr. Lawal revealed that from January 2024 to July 2025, at least 455 communities were attacked, 3,216 people kidnapped, and over 230 killed, with hundreds of millions paid as ransom.
"Despite this, he criticized the Governor’s repeated claims of 70% success in tackling insecurity, describing them as exaggerated and misleading"
Dr. Aminu Lawal announced that, the Initiative is planning a Zamfara Security Summit, to bring together stakeholders from all sectors to chart a sustainable path to peace.
He stressed that, Zamfara State should not be treated in isolation and urged President Tinubu to act now.
