By Ismail Auwal
The Zamfara State Government has approved residents to own guns and use the weapon for self protection against bandits.
In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information Ibrahim Magaji Dosara on Sunday, the state government stated that it has directed the state commissioner of police to issue licenses to all those who qualify and wish to obtain such guns to defend themselves.
According to the statement, the matawalle led administration has concluded arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.
The measure according to the statement was taken following increase in the activities of bandits in various parts of the state.
“This act of terrorism has been a source of worry and concern to the people and government of the state. Therefore, in order to deal decisively with the situation in our respective communities, government has no option than to take the measures.”
Matawalle has also constituted an 11 man secretariat that would be responsible for intelligence gathering on the activities of informants.
The governor ordered the recruitment of 200 additional Community Protection Guards in each of the 19 emirates of the state, “making it 500 per emirate, to increase their manpower and strengthen its force and capacity to deal with the bandits.”
“Furthermore, in view of the deteriorating security situation in Mada, Wonaka, and Ruwan Bore Districts of Gusau local government, as well as Yansoto emirate in Tsafe local government, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Matawalle MON, Barden Hausa and Shatiman Sokoto, has approved the immediate closure of all markets and Kara in these districts and Yandoto emirate indefinitely.”
” In addition this, government has equally banned riding of motorbikes and selling of petroleum products in Mada, Wonaka and Ruwan Bore districts, as well as Yandoto emirate. Henceforth, all filling stations on the affected areas are hereby closed with immediate effect,” Dosara said.
The administration ordered that anybody found riding motorbike within the areas is considered as bandits and security agencies are thereby directed to shoot such persons at sight.
