Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, has disclosed that he declined to pay the ₦300 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers who kidnapped his brothers in 2019, arguing that doing so only encourages kidnapping and other illegal activities.
Speaking at the ARISE News/THISDAY Town Hall Conference on State Police and National Security in Abuja on Thursday, the governor revealed this. He reaffirmed his opposition to negotiating with bandits and reaffirmed his support for the creation of state police.
“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and the kidnappers demanded about ₦300 million. I told them I was not going to pay a dime. If they wanted to kill them, they could go ahead.”
“If we continue to pay ransom, we are encouraging these criminals to kidnap more people. The cycle will only continue unless we stop rewarding criminality.”
“I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens.”
“In as much as I am called the chief security officer of the state, I do not have the command-and-control authority to direct the operations of the security agencies.”
This decisive stance by the Zamfara governor demonstrates what it truly means to be a good leader—one who values the safety and well-being of his people above all else. When a governor prioritizes the lives of his citizens over monetary gains and refuses to be swayed by greed or pressure, it shows genuine leadership rooted in integrity and compassion.
This is the hallmark of a leader who has his people’s best interests at heart, earning their trust and respect through actions that reflect true dedication to their welfare.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One 
Rose Ajieh
