Damilola Aina, Abuja

Daily Courier – The Zamfara State Government has directed residents of the state to obtain guns in order to defend themselves against bandits who appear to be ravaging the state.

The directive was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information Mr. Ibrahim Dosara on Saturday, June 25.

According the government, the measure became necessary following the deteriorating security situation in parts of the state.

“Government has henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the 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,” the statement partly read.

The commissioner further noted 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 the guns.

Dosara asked those who are qualified and willing to own guns to reach out to the state Commissioner of Police and obtain gun licenses after satisfying the necessary criteria.

Beyond obtaining guns, the state government has also ordered for the recruitment of 200 additional Community Protection Guards in each of the 19 emirates of the state.

Additionally, Governor Mohammed Matawalle has ordered that all markets within the Mada, Wonaka, and Ruwan Bore Districts of Gusau local government, as well as Yansoto emirate in Tsafe local government area be shut, while motorcycle operations have been banned.

The government also set up an 11-man special committee to receive intelligence on the activities of informants.

Headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Balarabe Sardau, the committee comprises of top government officials with Bello Bakyasuwa Soja as the secretary.