According to the governor of Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, it is in everyone’s best interests to ask state inhabitants to protect themselves against bandits.
This was said in a statement made on Tuesday by Jamilu Magaji, the governor’s principal press secretary.
This was stated by Matawalle during the inauguration of a few security committees in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara.
Recently, the governor urged state citizens to arm themselves in order to defend themselves against robbers.
Additionally, the governor had instructed the state police command to grant gun licences to citizens who meet the requirements and want to buy weapons for self-defense.
When commenting on the situation, Matawalle emphasised the importance of assisting the security agencies in their work.
“Self-defence is a natural instinct and has always been part of human survival strategy,” he said.
“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.”
