Tension gripped Zamfara State following the alleged murder of Magaji Lawal, a political associate of Senator Kabir Marafa, by members of the recently inaugurated Community Protection Guards (CPG).
Lawal was reportedly invited to the CPG office in Tsafe town on Saturday over accusations of collusion with bandits. However, the encounter resulted in his death, leading to outrage and protests.
Senator Marafa, speaking after Lawal’s funeral prayer, disclosed that he had encouraged Lawal to honor the CPG’s invitation, assuming it was a legitimate government agency. Marafa expressed shock and dismay over Lawal’s death, alleging torture and abuse during the interrogation.
Marafa acknowledged the importance of combating banditry but raised concerns about the alleged recruitment of individuals with dubious backgrounds into the CPG.
Promising to pursue justice, Marafa vowed to explore all legal avenues to uncover the truth behind Lawal’s death.
In response to the incident, the Zamfara State government directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, attributed the incident to a clash between factions of local vigilante groups.
Nakwada assured that the situation was under control and affirmed the government’s commitment to holding accountable anyone found culpable in the incident. The government emphasized its determination to ensure justice and maintain peace and security in the state.
