Author: Phlippages
The Zamfara State Government has urged its citizens in the state to acquire guns to defend themselves against terrorists and bandit attacks.
The State government also went ahead to ban the use of motorcycles also known a sojada in the State with the order for security agencies to shoot at any violator of the okada ban. This comes after banning the sale of PMS to okada operators in the State.
It equally gave the order to immediately shut down markets in three districts in the State; Mada, Wonaka, and Ruwan Bore districts of Gusau Local Government, as well as Yandoto Emirate in Tsafe Local Government.
The directives are measures to ensure adequate security and protection to the lives and properties of citizens in the state, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara stated this in a statement.
The Government had resolved to take further measures to curb the recent attacks that have been escalating, also kidnapping and criminal levies forced on the innocent citizens of communities in the state.
Doasara said, “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 following measures:
“Government has, henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against bandits, as government has directed the state commissioner of police to issue license to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves.
“Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers, to secure basic weapons to defend themselves. Government has already concluded arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.
“People must apply from the Commissioner of Police license to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves. A secretariat or centre will be established for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.
“People are strictly warned and advised to make sure that any information or intelligence about an informant must be true and nothing but the truth, as all information on such informants must carry correct data on the suspects, including their pictures, correct names, address, occupation and witness to testify the genuity of the information given.
“Government is taking punitive measures against anyone found as informant. Any person who gives wrong information against anybody will be served the same punishment as an informant and will be treated as such.
“Government has requested the state House of Assembly to pass, as matter of urgency, the informants bill before it to enable it (government) take the drastic measures on informants as contained in the bill.
“Government has 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.
Reacting to the rescent developments in the state of Zamfara, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN and human rights activist, Malachy Ugwumadu has said that with the recent happenings, it’s obvious that the security situation in the state has deteriorated and sees this as imminent collapse of the country
