Zamfara govt rules out negotiations with bandits

The Zamfara State Government said on April 18, 2026, that it will not negotiate with bandits and will instead increase efforts to address insecurity across the state.

The position was made known in Bunkasau village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area when the Deputy Governor, Mani Mumuni Masamar Mudi, visited the community after a recent attack that left at least 26 people dead and many others injured.

During the visit, the deputy governor expressed grief over the loss of lives and sympathised with affected families. He also acknowledged the actions of residents who resisted the attackers and reportedly fought back.

The state government, he said, remains focused on finding lasting solutions to the security crisis and will not adopt dialogue with armed groups as an option.

The government delegation included top officials who joined the condolence visit and met with community members. The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, commended the villagers for defending themselves and said lawmakers may consider legal steps that would allow communities to protect themselves within the law.

The Chief Imam of Bunkasau, Malam Abubakar, thanked the government for the visit and explained that the village has suffered repeated attacks over time. He noted that residents recently began resisting the assailants but still need more support to improve their safety.

Other officials present included the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ahmad Garba Yandi, and the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mannir Fura Girke.

The government maintained that it will continue to review and apply new measures to curb the ongoing violence in the state.