By Emmanuel Atseyinku
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has revealed that he once refused to pay a ₦300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers for the release of his abducted brothers, saying he would not negotiate with criminals despite the personal cost.
The governor made the disclosure while speaking on his administration’s approach to combating kidnapping and other forms of violent crime. According to him, he told the kidnappers they could do whatever they wished with his brothers rather than expect him to pay the ransom they demanded.
Governor Lawal explained that his decision was based on his conviction that paying ransom encourages criminal activities, finances armed groups, and fuels the growing wave of kidnappings across the country.
He stressed that negotiating with kidnappers only emboldens criminal networks and undermines ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace and protect lives and property.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across Zamfara State through collaboration with security agencies, intelligence gathering, and sustained operations against bandits and kidnappers.
His remarks have sparked widespread public reactions, with many Nigerians debating the government’s policy on ransom payments and the broader challenge of addressing kidnapping and insecurity nationwide.
Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, particularly in the North-West, where several states, including Zamfara, have witnessed repeated attacks by armed criminal groups targeting communities, travelers, and schools.
9NEWS NIGERIA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.
