Zamfara Governor Says He Rejected N300 Million Ransom Demand for Kidnapped Brothers

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has disclosed that he once refused to pay a ₦300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers who had abducted two of his brothers, insisting that yielding to such demands would only embolden criminal activities.

Speaking on his administration’s stance against banditry and kidnapping, the governor said he made it clear to the abductors that he would not negotiate or provide any financial incentive for the release of his relatives, despite the emotional toll of the incident on his family.

Lawal reiterated his belief that the payment of ransom fuels insecurity by providing funds for criminal groups to acquire weapons and sustain their operations. He urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts by security agencies and governments at all levels to combat kidnapping and restore lasting peace, particularly in states affected by banditry and violent crime.