Zamfara Governor Says He Refused N300m Ransom, Backs State Police

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has said he refused to pay a N300 million ransom when his brothers were kidnapped in 2019, arguing that ransom payments encourage more abductions.

Lawal made the disclosure at an ARISE News and THISDAY town hall in Abuja focused on state police and security.

The governor said his position was shaped by the belief that criminal groups become more emboldened when victims’ families or governments continue to pay them.

Punch reported that Lawal said his brothers were eventually released after three months in captivity without ransom being paid.

Lawal used the example to support his call for state police, saying governors should have operational control over security if citizens are expected to make them answerable for protecting lives and property.

He argued that development is difficult without security and that states need properly funded and trained policing structures to respond to local threats.

Sources: Premium Times, Punch