The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has criticised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for travelling to Ethiopia in the wake of a violent attack in Bindin, Maru Local Government Area (LGA), which resulted in the deaths of 17 people.
The group described the Governor’s decision to leave the state for an international trip amidst a brewing security crisis as insensitive to the victims and the grieving families. The attack, which occurred in the Bindin community, targeted both security personnel and local workers, leaving a trail of carnage in its wake.
According to reports regarding the deadly attack in Maru LGA, 12 soldiers and five artisanal miners lost their lives during the incident. The loss of military personnel highlights the persistent vulnerability of security forces to organised banditry in the North-West region, while the killing of miners underscores the growing danger faced by civilians in resource-rich areas.
Security instability in the North-West
The NDC argued that the Governor’s presence is vital for managing the immediate fallout of such attacks and coordinating emergency responses. The coalition expressed concern that such high-level absences during periods of acute violence could demoralise security agencies and signal a lack of urgency in addressing the state’s stability. They further noted that leadership must be visible to reassure a population currently living in fear.
Zamfara State has remained a flashpoint for banditry and kidnapping for several years, with criminal gangs frequently targeting rural communities, mining sites, and military outposts. The artisanal mining sector, which provides a livelihood for many in the state, has become a frequent target for these armed groups, adding economic hardship to the existing humanitarian crisis.
While the specific objectives of the Governor’s trip to Ethiopia have not been fully detailed by his administration, the timing has drawn heavy political scrutiny. Critics maintain that state leadership must prioritise local security coordination and public reassurance over international engagements when lives are being lost in the hinterlands.
As of the time of publication, the Zamfara State Government has not issued a formal response to the NDC’s criticisms or provided specific details on the measures being taken to prevent similar incursions in the Maru area. Security agencies continue to patrol the affected regions as investigations into the Bindin massacre proceed.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
