By Mo. Hanif
Nasir Ismail Doka, President of Voice of the Voiceless, held a press conference in Utako, Abuja, to address the worsening security situation in Zamfara State. The event took place at 3js Hotel, located beside the venue of a public hearing organized by Zamfara State Governor, Mr. Dauda Lawal Dare. The hearing aimed to gather complaints and propose solutions to the rampant armed banditry that has plunged the state into a humanitarian crisis.
Displaced Persons Denied Entry
Nasir Doka, accompanied by internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Zamfara who are now residing as refugees in Abuja, attempted to attend the public hearing to voice their grievances directly to the governor. However, they were denied entry by security personnel. This action sparked outrage among the IDPs and highlighted the disconnect between the state government's actions and the plight of its citizens.
Public Hearing in Abuja: A Questionable Decision
In his address to the press, Doka questioned the rationale behind holding the public hearing in Abuja, far from the epicenter of the crisis. He said, "As you can see, there is a public hearing ongoing in this very hotel. The irony is that the Zamfara State Governor organized this public hearing here in Abuja to hear from Zamfara State indigenes regarding a problem in Zamfara. That shows you the type of governor we have in Zamfara."
He suggested that the hearing was designed to present a skewed view of the situation. "Apparently, this event is organized to hear from selected people who will tell the governor what he wants to hear, not what is actually happening in Zamfara State. Otherwise, this public hearing should have been organized in Zamfara, not in Abuja."
Criticism of the Governor's Absence
Doka reiterated his previous criticisms of Governor Lawal Dare, accusing him of neglecting the state's residents by spending excessive time in Abuja. "You may recall that in my last briefing with you, I told you gentlemen of the press that the governor is always in Abuja. He doesn't give a damn about the people back home; this is apparent, isn't it?"
He emphasized the dire state of security in Zamfara, revealing that over 50 villages are currently paying security levies to bandits, essentially operating under the control of these criminal groups. "Apparently, there is no government in Zamfara. The bandits are in control of a large chunk of the state," he asserted.
Personal Stories of Suffering
Doka shared harrowing personal stories from the displaced persons, shedding light on their suffering. Pointing to one protester, he said, "For example, this young man you're seeing doesn't know where his parents are as we speak. He spoke to them days ago, but just yesterday he received the sad news."
These stories underscore the human toll of the crisis and the urgent need for effective intervention.
Appeals to the Federal Government
When asked about his demands, Doka appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the safety, security, and welfare of Zamfara State indigenes. He expressed his belief that the president might not be fully informed about the severity of the situation. "People are dying on a daily basis, even the security men are being butchered daily."
He called for an increase in troop deployment to Zamfara, stressing that the bandits currently outnumber security personnel, leading to high casualties among the forces. "The federal government must take immediate and decisive action to restore order and protect the lives of Zamfara's citizens," Doka urged.
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
Doka's address highlighted not only the immediate need for increased security presence but also the necessity for long-term solutions to address the root causes of the crisis. This includes better governance, socio-economic development, and community engagement to build resilience against banditry.
Call to Action
In his concluding remarks, Nasir Doka emphasized the responsibility of both state and federal governments to act swiftly and decisively. "The people of Zamfara deserve peace and stability. It is the duty of our leaders to ensure that we do not live in fear. The situation demands urgent and comprehensive action to bring lasting peace to our state."
The press conference underscored the deep frustrations and urgent pleas of Zamfara's displaced persons and activists, calling for a unified and effective response to end the violence and restore normalcy to the state.
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