Zamfara Governor Bans Political Activities Due to Security Concerns

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has imposed an immediate ban on all political activities and rallies across the state in response to a recent security breach in Maru Local Government Area. The decision follows the disruption of a peaceful protest in the region, which escalated into violence when protesters set fire to the palace of the Emir of Maru.

The protest, which occurred on February 13, 2025, was triggered by the abduction of 10 people, including Alhaji Salisu Suleman, the Chief Imam of Maru Central Mosque, his two wives, and seven children. Terrorists are believed to have carried out the attack, further escalating the ongoing threat of terrorism and violent attacks in Zamfara.

The ban is effective immediately, and security agencies have been instructed to enforce it, with action to be taken against any politician or group defying the directive. Governor Lawal’s decision comes as the political season has yet to commence across the country.

Despite the ongoing violence, the state government’s allocation for internal security remains a concern, with a budget of just N800 million approved from an initial proposal of N13.1 billion for 2024. Of that amount, only N30 million was spent on capital needs for internal security.