The Zamfara State Government has directed its residents to obtain gun licences to defend themselves against the rampaging terrorists in the state.
Zamfara state’s commissioner for information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, June 26, 2022
He said, “the government has henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits.
“Government has directed the state Commissioner of police to issue licence to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves.
“Government is ready to facilitate for people, especially our farmers, to secure basic weapons for defending themselves.
“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,” Dosara said.
He attributed this to the failure of Federal Government to protect its citizens from being killed by terrorists in the northwest where they also rob or kidnap for ransom.
The gunmen, known locally as bandits, operate from remote forests in the northwest and their deadly attacks and kidnappings, targeting villagers, farmers and travellers, have increased since the start of the year. Zamfara and neighbouring Kaduna are the most affected, authorities say.
Recall, last week, gunmen killed eight people and kidnapped 38 others in an attack on two churches in Kaduna, a Christian group said, weeks after another deadly attack in the south west.
Dosara said, Zamfara will recruit additional community protection guards across the state to help to fight the bandits while the state will also set up a new paramilitary unit commanded by a retired police commissioner.
The state also banned the use of motorcyles and selling of petrol in three districts and one emirate, in areas which are the most affected by banditry, Dosara said. The state is divided into emirates and the emirates into districts.
“Anybody found riding motorbike within the areas is considered as bandits and security agencies are thereby directed to shoot such persons at sight,” said Dosara.
