I Refused To Pay Ransom For Brothers- Zamfara Governor

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, says he refused to pay ransom to kidnappers 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.

The governor said ransom payments only strengthen criminal groups and encourage further abductions.

Lawal recounts brothers’ abduction

Recalling the abduction of his brothers, Yusuf and Amba, in 2025, Lawal said he made his position clear to his family from the outset.

“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 Lawal, the kidnappers eventually reduced their demands after negotiations failed to produce the payment they expected.

“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,” he said.

Lawal said his decision was based on his belief that ransom payments could strengthen criminal operations and perpetuate the cycle of kidnapping.

He added that previous attempts to negotiate with criminals had failed to produce positive results, reinforcing his opposition to ransom payments.

Zamfara faces continued bandit attacks

Lawal’s comments come amid continued bandit attacks and kidnappings across Zamfara State.

Recent incidents have included the rescue of 41 travellers who were abducted after their commercial bus broke down along the Tsafe-Funtua Road.

Earlier in the year, suspected bandits attacked several communities across the state, including areas in 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 reportedly killed and several others abducted when bandits attacked Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area. Eleven others were also reported 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 suspected terrorists attacked his residence, killing two policemen, a vigilante member and a civilian.

Governor promises stronger security response

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

He said the government’s strategy includes improving access to affected communities and using technology, including drones, to help security agencies monitor difficult-to-reach areas and respond more quickly to attacks.

The governor’s comments came days after he flagged off a 95-kilometre road project in Tsafe Local Government Area, which he said would improve movement and strengthen security in the area.