Declare State of Emergency in Zamfara Now, Rights Group Urges President Tinubu

The Human Rights Watchdog in Africa (HRWA) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State. This urgent call follows disturbing reports that a large number of inmates sentenced for banditry-related crimes were recently freed from the Gusau Correctional Centre.

According to the group, this situation has intensified public fear and raised deep concerns among already traumatised residents who continuously endure armed attacks, kidnappings, rural invasions, and deadly communal clashes across various parts of Zamfara.

HRWA alleges that Governor Dauda Lawal oversaw the controversial release of 69 convicted bandits sometime in September. The organisation described the exercise as a “secret state pardon”, which was allegedly executed through the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board under a programme referred to as “Religious Amnesty.”

In a statement published on Friday, the Executive Director of HRWA, Samson Adamu, condemned the development, stressing that the release of individuals previously convicted for serious violent offences has generated deep anxiety among communities still struggling to recover from years of insecurity.

Adamu noted that residents feel even more unsafe because banditry remains a daily threat. He emphasised that freeing known offenders—especially without transparent procedures and without the involvement of security stakeholders—could worsen the security situation and undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the state.

The rights organisation also expressed worry that such actions may embolden criminal groups who already see the state as a vulnerable ground. According to HRWA, the government at the federal level must intervene to prevent further deterioration of the fragile security landscape.

The group urged President Tinubu to deploy additional security forces, intensify intelligence operations, and implement a comprehensive emergency strategy to restore stability. HRWA further warned that failing to act quickly could erode public trust and expose innocent citizens to even greater danger.