In order to defend themselves against terrorists who have been attacking state residents for the past few years, Zamfara State Government has instructed its citizens to “grab firearms.”
This was said in a statement made by Ibrahim Dosara, the Zamfara State information commissioner.
According to Mr. Dosara, the state of Zamfara has also “ordered the state commissioner of police to grant (gun) licences” to those who are capable of using firearms.
While Zamfara has officially advised its citizens to carry weapons through a statement, the state’s governor is not the first to provide such counsel.
Read Also: FG Creates Taskforce To Help Halt Smuggling Of Petrol
Earlier, Katsina Governor Aminu Masari urged citizens to arm themselves to defend against the state’s gunmen.
The statement issued by Dosara 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, 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, in order to deal decisively with the situation in our respective communities, government has no option but to take the following measures:
He proceeded to explain the processes involved.
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. Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers to secure basic weapons for defending themselves. Government has already concluded arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.
People must apply from the Commissioner of Police, license to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves. A secretariat or centre will be established for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.
People are strictly warned and advised to make sure that any information or intelligence about an informant must be true and nothing but the truth, as all information on such informants, must carry correct data on the suspects, including their pictures, correct names, addresses, occupation and witness to testify the genuity of the information given, as government is taking punitive measures against any one found as an informant. Any person who give wrong information against anybody, will be served the same punishment with an informant and will be treated as such.
