From John Bassey, Gusau
As Zamfara State prepares to mark its government’s second anniversary, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for neglecting banditry victims over the past two years.
The APC’s state Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, made this claim in a statement.
Gusau challenged the governor’s assertion that victims receive free medical care. “The truth is that the government has never known any victim of gunshots, let alone given them free medicare,” he said. He demanded details of beneficiaries, including names, villages, local government areas, incident dates, and payment records for treatments at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.
Gusau referenced a viral video where Lawal discussed his administration’s efforts against banditry. However, he noted the governor’s lack of sympathy, saying, “The governor, who hardly showed any sympathy to bandits attacked victims… will instead be going from one place to another… enjoying life with friends or family members.”
Gusau also cited his recent visit to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, where victims were denied admission due to lack of funds, resulting in one death.
The APC further questioned how victims outside the state capital access care, especially those from areas like Tsafe. Gusau urged journalists to investigate further. He accused the government of doing “almost nothing” to ease citizens’ suffering from banditry.
Gusau recalled Lawal’s 2023 campaign promise to eliminate banditry within two months. “Now, it’s getting into the third year with the case worsening,” he said. The APC called on Lawal to apologise to Zamfara citizens and Nigerians, reaffirm his commitment, and collaborate with stakeholders to support victims and combat banditry effectively.