Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has said that the
State Government relied on an extant legislation to direct residents to acquire
weapons to defend themselves.
Matawalle made this known in a statement issued by his the
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Jamilu Magaji, on Tuesday
Magaji stated that the governor made the remark while
inaugurating some security committees in Gusau.
The statement explained that the governor’s directive was
part of the administration’s efforts to tackle protracted security challenges
in the state.
It added that the State Government was aware of the
misgivings expressed in some quarters regarding the new measure.
It noted that the measure was meant “to encourage the
communities suffering almost daily from the inhuman aggressions from the
bandits to acquire firearms to defend their communities.
“Self-defence is a natural instinct and has always been part
of human survival strategy.
“As those entrusted with the safety of lives and property of
the people, we will do everything possible to uphold this responsibility within
the ambit of the law.
“We are also aware that the security forces are doing their
best to combat this formidable challenge.
“Their efforts are, however, hampered by the lack of
adequate modern warfare equipment and the dearth of personnel.
“Our decision to mobilise people to secure their communities
is, therefore, for the people to complement the efforts of the conventional
security forces in dealing with banditry and fishing out informants.
“The acquisition and usage of firearms by the public, who
desire to do so, would be governed by the Nigeria Firearms Act,” he further
stated.
The statement added that the state government had explored
all options to address the issue to no avail.
It explained that apart from dialogue, reconciliation and
disarmament, the government also had regular engagement with Federal Government
and neighbouring states, including the Nigerien authorities.
“We also shut down mobile telecommunication networks to give
security forces the leeway to take the battle directly to the bandits,” the
statement added.
The governor further said that his administration had
provided modern RUGA settlements for nomads and logistics support to security
agencies, including vehicles and drones.
He said that in recent weeks, the state witnessed increased
attacks in some parts of Gusau, Bukkuyum and Gummi Local Government Areas.
Matawalle said that the government had provided 20 new Hilux
Vans and 1,500 motorcycles to the committee on security to commence operation.
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