The governor made the remarks while responding to questions about insecurity in the state, including reports that some elders were abducted while attempting to negotiate with bandits.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has insisted that he will never negotiate with terrorists operating in the state, maintaining that no criminal group is stronger than the government and warning that engaging in talks with bandits would amount to surrendering the authority of the state.
Speaking in Hausa during an interview with the BBC monitored by SaharaReporters, Lawal said his administration remained committed to defeating armed groups terrorising communities across Zamfara despite persistent attacks, mass displacement and growing concerns among residents.
The governor made the remarks while responding to questions about insecurity in the state, including reports that some elders were abducted while attempting to negotiate with bandits.
When informed that some neighbouring states, including parts of Katsina State, had pursued peace agreements with bandits and reportedly recorded some success, the governor said such arrangements had not eliminated insecurity.
