Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has disclosed that he refused to pay a ₦300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers who abducted his brothers in 2019, saying he would not negotiate with criminals or encourage kidnapping for ransom.
Speaking on Thursday at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, Lawal said his decision was guided by his belief that paying ransom only strengthens criminal groups and encourages more abductions.
The governor recalled that the kidnappers demanded ₦300 million for his brothers' release, but he refused to make any payment.
"My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals demanded about ₦300 million. I said I was not going to pay a dime. If they wanted to kill them, they could," he said.
Lawal revealed that despite his refusal to pay, his brothers were eventually released after spending about three months in captivity.
He said the experience reinforced his conviction that ransom payments fuel insecurity by rewarding criminal activities.
"If we continue paying ransom, we are encouraging kidnappers to abduct more people. Once they realise they cannot get money from victims or governments, they will be discouraged," he added.
The governor also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a key measure to strengthen security and address the country's growing insecurity.
Lawal maintained that his stance remains unchanged, insisting he would never negotiate with or pay ransom to criminals, regardless of the circumstances.
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