Why I refused to pay ransom after bandits abducted my brothers – Zamfara gov

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has revealed how he refused to pay ransom to bandits who abducted his brothers, insisting that he would not give money to criminals.

Lawal disclosed this during a media chat on Monday while reiterating his opposition to negotiating with kidnappers operating in the state.

According to Channels Tv, the governor said ransom payments only empower criminals and encourage them to continue abducting residents.

Recalling the abduction of his brothers, Yusuf and Amba, in 2025, Lawal said he made it clear to his family that he would not support the payment of ransom for their release.

“You know, there are certain hard decisions you must take as a leader of the family…and I made it clear that this is my stand, but if anybody feels otherwise, he is free to go and pay and bring Yusuf and Amba back,” he said.

According to him, the kidnappers eventually reduced their demand after negotiations failed to yield the expected payment.

“Eventually, they (kidnappers) got tired, and the last thing they asked for then, I think, was a ₦150,000 recharge card, and even that I said I was not going to pay. Somebody from the family should do that because I made a commitment that I will never put a dime to a criminal.”

Lawal said his position was informed by his belief that paying kidnappers would strengthen their operations and perpetuate the cycle of abductions.

He added that previous attempts to negotiate with criminals had not produced positive results, reinforcing his decision not to support ransom payments.

The governor’s comments come amid continued attacks and abductions by bandits and other criminal groups in Zamfara.

In September, troops rescued 41 travellers who were abducted after their commercial bus broke down along the Tsafe-Funtua Road.

Earlier in the year, attacks were also reported in several communities across the state, including Bungudu, Anka, Tsafe, Bukkuyum, Maradun and Kaura Namoda.

In January, five soldiers and a police inspector were killed when suspected bandits ambushed security personnel along the Kwatarkwashi axis in Bungudu Local Government Area.

In February, 30 people were reported killed and several others abducted when bandits attacked Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area, while 11 others were confirmed killed in an attack on Ware community in Tsafe.

The violence continued in subsequent months, with residents abducted in Maradun and seven students kidnapped in Kaura Namoda.

In July, the chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area was abducted after terrorists attacked his residence, killing two policemen, a vigilante and a civilian.

Lawal said his administration was working to improve the state’s security response, particularly in areas such as Tsafe that have been affected by persistent attacks.