INSECURITY: Gov Lawal inaugurates security trust fund, vows to end banditry in Zamfara

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his commitment to ending the spate of banditry and other criminal activities that have plagued Zamfara State.

The Zamfara State Governor has inaugurated a 21-member Board of Trustees of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed in a statement issued in Gusau that the Security Trust Fund was created to gather funds and aid the government’s efforts in tackling the ongoing issue of insecurity.

He added that the board of the Security Trust Fund has former Inspector General MD Abubakar, mni, CFR, as chairman and Dr. Hamza Muhammad as Administrative Secretary.

While inaugurating the trust fund board, Governor Lawal said that establishing the Security Trust Fund was informed by the need to mobilise resources to support our efforts in addressing the persistent challenge of insecurity and related issues in our dear state.

“The decision to establish the Trust Fund was motivated by the recognition that the security situation in the State, along with its attendant consequences, has become a matter of grave concern not only to the Government and citizens of Zamfara State but also to the entire nation.

“Over the years, the criminal activities have led to the tragic loss of thousands of lives and the destruction of billions of naira worth of means of livelihood in the state. Moreover, it has severely weakened our economy, causing significant repercussions in vital sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and commerce.

“Consequently, it is evident that we have to widen our horizons in the quest for viable and enduring solutions to the issue.”

The Governor further said that to guarantee prudence and effectiveness in discharging the Board’s duties and responsibilities, he meticulously appointed individuals with a proven track record of integrity.

“Many of them come from backgrounds in security with broad experience in public service and private sectors. The board comprises MD Abubakar, Mni, CFR Rtd Inspector General of Police as chairman.

“Board members are the Emir of Anka, Col Bala Mande (Rtd), Brig. Gen. Abdulkadir Gummi, Brig. Gen. L.B. Mohammed, Ambassador Bello Anka, Mrs Lubnah Muhammad Gusau, Faruku Sambo Gusau, State Chairman, Local Security Outfit, Rep. of Ministry of Justice, Rep. of Ministry for Internal Security, Rep. of Ministry of Finance, Rep. Min. for Local Govt & Chieftaincy Affairs, Rep. of State Bureau for Public Procurement.

“Others are Rep. of Nigeria Police Force, Rep. of Armed Forces, Rep. of Department of State Service, Rep. of Nig. Security and Civil Defense Corps, Rep. of Religious Institution, Abubakar Shehu, and Dr. Hamza Muhammad and Administrative Secretary.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, the former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar RTD, urged the people of Zamfara to work together to overcome security challenges.

“We are doing this for the future of Zamfara State. We must all come together to support this fund with the little we can. There is no time for sleeping now; we have to wake up.

“I want to reassure you about our commitment; we shall do our best regarding safety and security.”