Zamfara governor denies kidnap claim following the release of a disturbing ransom video by suspected armed bandits.
The video shows two men under duress, one claiming to be Governor Dauda Lawal’s brother, pleading for rescue.
The victim stated, “We are biological brothers, same father and mother,” as he sat flanked by armed kidnappers.
Bandits demanded a ransom from Governor Lawal, threatening execution if their financial demands were not swiftly met.
The incident occurred in Kucheri village, Tsafe LGA, a region plagued by terror cells led by notorious kingpins.
According to sources, the two victims were abducted while heading to a bakery near their local residence in Zamfara.
Governor Lawal immediately denied any familial connection to the man, issuing a public statement through Suleiman Idris.
He clarified, “I have only one sibling, and she is a woman,” disputing the man’s claim entirely.
Zamfara governor denies kidnap claim and calls the act a psychological tactic used to manipulate public sentiment.
He added that the video represents a desperate attempt by bandits to revive fear and rally internal morale.
The government confirmed that security efforts are ongoing to locate the abducted men and ensure their safe release.
“We’re actively working with security agencies to bring these victims home,” Suleiman Idris said in an official statement.
Governor Lawal emphasized that the situation would not distract the government’s commitment to ending insecurity in Zamfara.
Zamfara governor denies kidnap claim and reiterated that criminals would not succeed in derailing public trust in his administration.
Observers note that bandit tactics now include psychological warfare in addition to physical violence against local communities.
