In a face-off between the federal government and the Zamfara state government over an alleged secret negotiation with bandits who abducted students of the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara state, the federal government on Tuesday replied the Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, for accusing it of secretly negotiating with some bandits who abducted some school girls in the State, while describing Lawal’s accusations as “false and misleading”, saying the ministry has not mandated anybody or group of persons to negotiate on behalf of government with the criminals.
The Informant247 had earlier reported that the Zamfara government had said it had enough facts to expose the federal government’s agents behind the purported secret negotiation with bandits.
The governor, who had consistently ruled out the option of negotiating with bandits, had earlier raised the alarm that the government at the apex level had entered a secret dialogue with the criminals.
However, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, while reacting to the governor’s allegations, said the federal government was only carrying out the marching order given by President Bola Tinubu to rescue the victims.
In a statement issued by the acting spokesman of the ministry, Attari Hope, the defence minister stated that the federal government’s efforts have started yielding results.
“The Minister debunked the claim and allegation, pointing out that the federal government is negotiating with the terrorists. The federal government is working assiduously round the clock to ensure that the girls and others return home.
“The Minister said that the allegation is false and misleading as the Ministry has not mandated anybody or group to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.
“He 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.
“He said that the order of Mr. President has started yielding results as 13 of the abducted students and three others regained their freedom just this Monday, 25, 2023. This feat was achieved through the professional efforts of the Military,” the statement said.