ZAMFARA GOV: WHY I REFUSED TO PAY RANSOM FOR MY BROTHERS

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has explained why he refused to pay ransom after bandits abducted his brothers, saying he would not give money to criminals.
Lawal said the kidnappers demanded a ransom for the release of his brothers but that he rejected the demand despite the personal nature of the situation.
According to the governor, he took the position that paying ransom would amount to rewarding criminality and could encourage kidnappers to continue abducting people.
He said his brothers eventually spent about three months in captivity before they were released without the ransom being paid.
Lawal said the experience reinforced his opposition to ransom payments and his belief that security agencies must confront banditry rather than allow criminals to profit from kidnapping.
The governor has also maintained that his administration will not negotiate with bandits in Zamfara, insisting that stronger security operations are needed to tackle the state’s insecurity.
He has continued to call for greater security measures to protect residents and address the activities of bandits operating in parts of the state.