By Harriet Tornguvan
In a press conference held at 3js Hotel in Utako, Abuja, Nasir Ismail Doka, President of Voice of the Voiceless, criticized Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal Dare for his management of the escalating security crisis in the state. The conference coincided with a public hearing organized by the governor to address the severe armed banditry issues plaguing Zamfara.
Displaced Persons Barred from Hearing
Doka, joined by internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Zamfara now living in Abuja, attempted to attend the public hearing to express their concerns directly to Governor Dare. However, security personnel denied them entry, causing frustration and highlighting the gap between the government’s actions and the citizens' dire needs.
Questioning the Venue of the Public Hearing
During his address, Doka questioned the decision to hold the hearing in Abuja rather than in Zamfara, where the crisis is unfolding. He stated, "It’s ironic that the Zamfara State Governor chose to hold this hearing in Abuja to discuss issues in Zamfara. This speaks volumes about the governor's disconnection from the reality back home."
Doka suggested that the hearing in Abuja was likely to present a distorted view of the situation. "This event seems designed to gather feedback from selected individuals who will tell the governor what he wants to hear, not the harsh reality faced by Zamfara residents. This hearing should have been held in Zamfara."
Criticism of the Governor’s Absence
Doka reiterated his criticism of Governor Lawal Dare's frequent absences from Zamfara, accusing him of neglecting his duties. "In my last briefing, I mentioned that the governor spends too much time in Abuja, disregarding the people of Zamfara. This neglect is evident in the current state of affairs."
He highlighted the severe security situation, revealing that over 50 villages are paying levies to bandits, effectively living under their control. "There is no effective government in Zamfara. Bandits control significant parts of the state," Doka asserted.
Personal Accounts of Suffering
Doka shared personal stories from the displaced persons to illustrate the human impact of the crisis. Pointing to one protester, he said, "This young man here doesn’t know where his parents are. He last spoke to them days ago and received distressing news just yesterday."
These accounts underscored the urgent need for intervention and support.
Appeals to the Federal Government
When asked about his demands, Doka called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the security and welfare of Zamfara’s citizens. He suggested that the president might not be fully aware of the crisis's severity. "People are dying daily, including security personnel," Doka emphasized.
He urged the federal government to deploy more troops to Zamfara, noting that the bandits currently outnumber security forces, leading to high casualties. "Immediate and decisive action is needed to restore order and protect lives in Zamfara," he pleaded.
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
Doka highlighted the need for long-term solutions beyond increased security presence. He called for better governance, socio-economic development, and community engagement to address the root causes of banditry and build resilience.
Call to Action
In closing, Nasir Doka urged both state and federal governments to act swiftly and decisively. "The people of Zamfara deserve peace and stability. Our leaders have a duty to ensure we do not live in fear. The situation demands urgent and comprehensive action to bring lasting peace to our state."
The press conference showcased the deep frustrations and urgent pleas from Zamfara’s displaced persons and activists, calling for a coordinated and effective response to end the violence and restore normalcy to the state.
