FORGED LETTER: Zamfara denies releasing funds to bandits

Zamfara State government has disowned some documents claiming that it had released huge funds to some bandits’ kingpins for dialogue in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, told our correspondent in Gusau, the state capital, on Sunday that the documents were fake and mischievous, misleading, malicious and false.

Nakwada said the documents with his signature and those of other top government officials were forged. He added that security agencies had been properly briefed and were on trial to track down the social media source.

He faulted the claims that money was paid to some media promoters under the guise of “reconciliation efforts” from the state Security Trust Fund.

Nakwada said, “It is crucial that we address this matter with transparency and urgency.

“Ordinarily, we should have ignored this, like we have ignored many other fabricated lies aimed at distracting the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal from its commitment to rescuing and rebuilding the state.

“But due to the sensitivity of the security, which remains one of the priorities of this administration, we are compelled to make some clarifications.”

Nakwada said to set the records straight, but the purported memo allegedly said to have originated from his office to Governor Lawal and was entirely fake and mischievous.

“The state government has consistently announced its firm stance against negotiating with the bandits and terrorists.

“We still maintain the position that we will not negotiate with terrorists.

“Our administration has been unequivocal in its approach to addressing the security challenges facing our state,” he added.

Nakwada said the state government had implemented strategic measures to combat the menace of banditry, adding that the efforts were always guided by integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of people.

“The fabricated document and the baseless claims it contains are not only distracting but also an attempt to erode the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have in Gov Lawal’s administration to restore peace and order, ” he concluded.