Calls for Governor Dauda Lawal’s resignation have intensified in Zamfara State following the shocking murder of 35 kidnapped villagers from Banga community in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, despite the payment of a hefty ₦50 million ransom to their abductors.

The Zamfara Good Governance Forum (ZGGF) condemned what it described as gross incompetence and a complete breakdown of leadership under Governor Lawal.

Group descends on Gov Lawal

In a strongly worded statement issued in Gusau on Monday, the forum’s president, Alhaji Sani Mohammed, described the killings as the latest evidence that the state’s security crisis has spiraled beyond control.

The victims, taken hostage months ago during an attack on Banga village, were among 53 residents seized by heavily armed bandits who initially demanded ₦1 million for each captive.

After desperate fundraising efforts, the community managed to raise ₦50 million. But instead of freedom, only 18 villagers were released; the rest were reportedly executed one after the other in captivity.

“What happened in Banga village is a national tragedy. Thirty-five innocent citizens were slaughtered like animals — even after a ransom of ₦50 million was paid. And yet, the governor who swore an oath to protect lives and property is busy playing hide and seek with the same terrorists,” Mohammed said.

Zamfara governor criticised for incompetence

The ZGGF criticised what it called Governor Lawal’s inconsistent stance on negotiations with bandits, accusing him of publicly rejecting amnesty while allegedly holding meetings with bandit leaders in secret.

“This governor cannot be trusted. One day, he says amnesty is wrong, the next day he welcomes bandit commanders like honoured guests,” Mohammed added.

Before taking office, Lawal had campaigned heavily on promises to end the violence that has plagued Zamfara for years. But the forum argues that since assuming office, the governor has shown confusion rather than concrete solutions, leaving rural communities exposed to daily horrors.

“Before his election, Dauda Lawal positioned himself as the messiah Zamfara needed. But today, it is obvious he had no plan — only ambition,” the statement read.

Governor Lawal asked to resign

According to the forum, many villages have effectively fallen under the rule of criminal gangs who impose illegal taxes, kidnap residents, and commit widespread sexual violence without consequence.

“What is this governor doing apart from press conferences and photo ops?” the group asked.

Calling the situation a matter of life and death, the forum demanded Lawal’s immediate resignation, arguing that only fresh, decisive leadership can stem the bloodshed.

It also urged President Bola Tinubu to launch a special security operation in Zamfara, warning that the state’s crisis has reached a dangerous tipping point.

“Zamfara is bleeding. The President must act. But before that, the governor must go,” Mohammed concluded.