Zamfara abduction: FG didn’t negotiate with bandits, Defence ministers insist

The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and his State counterpart, Bello Matawalle, have denied allegations that the Federal Government was secretly negotiating with bandits in Zamfara State.

A statement credited to the Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal, alleging that the federal government was bargaining with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of abducted persons without the knowledge of the state government.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had on Monday denied the allegations, adding that the Zamfara governor should rather appreciate the efforts of the security agents and FG.

However,  Badaru and Matawalle in a statement by the acting Director of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Attari Hope, on Tuesday expressed confidence that the joint security task force working round the clock would rescue the students.

The statement partly read, “The  Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar and his State counterpart Dr. Bello  Matawalle, have again reassured Zamfara citizenry and Nigerians of the progress being made for the quick return of the abducted female students and others of Federal University Gusau.

“The duo expressed confidence that the joint security task forces are working discreetly round the clock to get the students rescued.

“The Ministers said that the allegation is false and misleading as the Ministry has not mandated anybody or any group to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government. They explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given marching orders to the Military and other security agencies to ensure the release of those who were abducted.

“They said that the order of Mr. President has started yielding results as 13 of the abducted students and 3 others regained their freedom just this Monday 25, 2023 This feat was achieved through the professional efforts of the Military.”

(Punch)

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