MARAFA SETS TWO-YEAR TARGET TO TACKLE ZAMFARA BANDITRY

The Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Kabiru Marafa, has pledged to tackle insecurity and end banditry in the state within his first term if elected governor in the 2027 election. Marafa, a former senator and commissioner in the state, said the security crisis could be addressed within a relatively short period if the government gives it the necessary attention and treats it as a priority.

Speaking on Thursday, Marafa said the authorities had not given adequate attention to the fight against banditry and insecurity in Zamfara. He expressed confidence in his understanding of the challenges facing the state, citing his previous experience as a commissioner and his years in the National Assembly as reasons for his familiarity with the security and other problems confronting the state.

Marafa said he would attach a clear deadline to his security plan if elected, declaring that he would either end banditry during his first tenure or leave office. He specifically stated that he expected to bring insecurity in the state under control within two years, adding that he was prepared to resign if he failed to achieve the target. He said his proposed approach would be aimed at restoring security and creating conditions for residents to live and carry out their activities without fear.

The NDC candidate also appealed to residents of Zamfara to support him and other candidates of the party during the 2027 elections. He said his administration, if elected, would seek to move the state forward while paying attention to other sectors beyond security. According to him, areas that directly affect women and young people would receive particular attention because they make up a significant portion of the population.

Marafa said he would do everything within his capacity to ensure that women, children and youths benefited from government programmes and the dividends of democracy under his administration. His promises come as insecurity remains a major issue in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West, where bandit attacks, kidnappings and displacement have continued to affect communities and economic activities.