Bello Matawalle, the governor of Zamfara State, has maintained by his recommendation that residents of the state purchase firearms, stating that this will support security forces’ efforts in the continuing fight against insurgency.
He clarified this on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital, where he was launching four special committees.
In order to assure efficient implementation of the security measures being taken to combat the resurgence of banditry in the State, the committees were established, according to the governor.
The Committee on Intelligence Gathering and Bandits’ Informants, the Committee on Prosecution of Banditry Related Offenses, the Management of Community Protection Guards, and the Special Standing Security Committee were the four special committees that were constituted on Monday.
According to Matawalle, recent weeks in Zamfara have seen terrorist assaults in a number of localities, particularly in the state’s Bukkuyum, Gusau, and Gummi Local Government Areas.
According to the governor, his “administration will continue to explore strategies to crush the security challenges and the sufferings endured by the citizens in the hands of the terrorists.”
He noted that “the government is aware of the efforts of the security forces in tackling the prevailing insecurity.”
“These efforts of the armed forces have been impeded by lack of modern war hardware and adequate manpower. Hence, the reason decided that the people should procure weapons to defend themselves against the terrorists,” the governor added.
Governor Matawalle disclosed that the state government had provided 20 Hilux vehicles and 500 motorbikes to the special Committees to make their jobs and movements easier.
Speaking also at the inauguration of the committees today, the chairman of the Special Committee on Prosecution of Banditry Related Activities, Abdullahi Shinkafi warned criminal elements to distance themselves from Zamfara State as it is time to deal decisively with anyone found culpable no matter how highly placed he or she may be in the society.
