The Zamfara State Government has directed residents to obtain guns to defend themselves against bandits.
A statement signed by the State Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, said the government is ready to facilitate securing basic weapons for the people, especially farmers, to defend themselves.
Zamfara authorities also directed the Commissioner of Police to issue gun licenses to those eligible to bear arms.
The statement read;
“Following increase in the activities of bandits in various parts of the state and the government commitment to ensure adequate security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry in the state, particularly during this rainy season, the government has resolved to take further measures to deal with the recent escalating attacks, kidnapping and the criminal levies being enforced on our innocent communities,”
“This act of terrorism has been a source of worry and concern to the people and government of the state. Therefore, to deal decisively with the situation in our respective communities, the government has no option but to take the following measures:
A. Government has henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits, as the government has directed the state commissioner of police to issue licenses 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 for defending themselves. The government has already concluded arrangements to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.