The Zamfara State Government has insisted it will not bend to pressures to negotiate with bandits in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Manir Haidara, who reiterated the government’s stand, confirmed the kidnapping of farmers and the killing of a respected Islamic cleric to Sunday PUNCH in a telephone interview.

Haidara disclosed that efforts were already in place to rescue all the kidnapped victims.

Some media reports had earlier indicated that bandits had attacked two farming communities in the state – Maradun and Bil Bis in Tsafe Local Government Area, where they allegedly kidnapped at least 30 farmers and killed the highly respected Islamic cleric on Thursday.

The Islamic scholar Mallam Makwashi Maradun Mai Jan Baki, along with one other person, were said to have been killed in Maradun town and two of the cleric’s children are still reported to missing after the attack.

According to Haidara, there is cordial synergy between the Zamfara State Government and the military to ensure the activities of the bandits are curtailed, and this mutual relationship has been in existence for 13 years.

“Zamfara State Government cannot negotiate with bandits. What is between the state government and the bandits is an exchange of fire. Zamfara State will never give room for negotiation with criminals terrorising our communities.

“We are doing our best to ensure we reduce their activities. This banditry thing started 13 years ago, but we’re hopeful we’ll curtail them,” the Information commissioner further told Sunday PUNCH.

When contacted for more comments on the issue, the Director, General Media and Communications, Nuhu Salihu Anka, directed our Correspondent to speak with Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesman, Suleiman Idris.

When contacted for clarification, the spokesman, Idris, said he had no information as regards the killing, but promised to confirm from the police and revert with details.

Meanwhile, the state police spokesman, Yazid Abu Abubakar, who had earlier confirmed the attacks, excused himself for prayers.