The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has ruled out ransom payments for kidnapped residents, saying paying criminals would only strengthen banditry and encourage further abductions.
Lawal said his administration would not negotiate with kidnappers as the state continues to face attacks and abductions across several communities and major roads.
The governor spoke during a media chat on Monday while recalling the abduction of his brothers, Yusuf and Amba, in 2025.
He said he had taken a firm decision not to pay ransom, even when the kidnappers made demands during the incident.
“You know, there are certain hard decisions you must take as a leader of the family, and I made it clear that this is my stand,” Lawal said.
He added that the kidnappers eventually reduced their demand to a N150,000 recharge card after previous negotiations failed to yield results.
“Eventually, they got tired, and the last thing they asked for then, I think, was a N150,000 recharge card, and even that I said I was not going to pay,” he said.
Lawal said he remained committed to his position that no money should be given to criminals.
“I made a commitment that I will never put a dime to a criminal,” he said, adding that anyone who disagreed with his position was free to pay ransom privately.
The governor’s stance comes amid continuing bandit attacks, killings and abductions across Zamfara. Despite this, Lawal said his administration was working to improve security response time, particularly in areas such as Tsafe that have recorded repeated attacks.
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