…To shoot motorcyclists at sight
Following the resurgence in the activities of bandits in various parts of Zamfara State, the government has directed individuals to obtain guns to defend themselves.
The State Government, in an issued press statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, 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 licences to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves.
The State government said it is ready to facilitate securing basic weapons for the people, especially farmers, to defend themselves.
It stated that 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”, Dosara further said.
He explained that the Government’s directive followed the increase in the activities of bandits in various parts of the State.
The commissioner, however, noted the State Government’s commitment to ensure adequate security and protection of the lives and property of citizens, particularly during the rainy season.
Dosara further said the government had resolved to deal with the recent escalating attacks, kidnapping and the criminal levies being enforced on innocent citizens.
According to him, residents must however apply from the Commissioner of Police licence to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves.
He said Government has ordered the recruitment of 200 additional Community Protection Guards (CPGs) in each of the 19 emirates of the state, making it 500 per emirate. The action, he noted, would increase their manpower and strengthen their force and capacity to deal with the bandits.
The State government had also constituted an 11-man special committee to receive intelligence on the activities of informants. It also requested the State House of Assembly to pass the informants Bill before it, to enable the State to take drastic measures against informants.
He also announced an additional para-military unit to support control and command, to properly and effectively reinforce the operations of Community Protection Guards, (CPG).
This newly established unit has eight members, with retired Commissioner of Police Mamman Anka as Commandant–General.
Meanwhile, Governor Bello Matawalle has ordered the immediate closure of all markets, including livestock markets in Mada, Wonaka, and Ruwan Bore districts of Gusau local government area, and Yandoto emirate, in Tsafe local government area.
“Henceforth, all filling stations in the affected areas are hereby closed with immediate effect.
“The governor has equally banned riding of motorbikes and selling of petroleum products in the referred districts, as well as Yandoto emirate.
“Anyone found riding motorbike within the areas is considered as a bandit and security agencies are thereby directed to shoot such persons at sight.
“Government hereby directs the Military, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), and other security agencies to mobilise their operatives and take the fight to the enclaves of the criminals with immediate effect”, the statement added.
