Nigerian governor orders residents to get guns for self defence against bandits

Zamfara State government has ordered the Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr. Ayuba Elkanah to give licenses to persons residing in the State – those who are qualified to make use of guns for self-defense.

MOUTHPIECE NGR observed that this decision came as a reaction to the growing rate of insecurity in the State.

The government of the State also ordered individuals to show interest in obtaining guns to protect and defend themselves against gunmen and bandits that have turned their communities to operation fields.

This was made public via a signed press statement by the Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, in Gusau, the capital of the state.

The statement added that the government has shown its readiness to facilitate the possession of basic weapons for the people, especially farmers in the rural areas to protect themselves against gunmen and bandits in their communities.

“The government has already concluded arrangements to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the State for those willing to obtain guns for self-defense.

“People should apply from the State commissioner of police licenses to own their guns and other basic weapons for self-defense,” he said.

The commissioner said there would be establishment of Secretariat which would be in charge of the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants sending information to the bandits.

“People are strictly warned and advised to ensure that any information or intelligence about informants must be true and nothing but the truth as all information on the informants must carry correct data on the suspects.

“Such information must include their pictures, correct names, addresses, occupation and witnesses to testify the genuineness of the information given as the government will take punitive measures against anyone found to the bandits’ informants.

“Any person who gives wrong information against anyone would also be made to serve the same punishment with the informant and will be treated as such,” he stated.

The Information Commissioner further stated that the government had persuaded the State House of Assembly to as a matter of emergency approve the Informant Bill before it to drive the intended drastic measures of the State government home.

“To further ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of these measures and as well the proper implementation of the measures, the government has ordered the formation of a special committee that would be receiving intelligence on the activities of the informants,” he said.

The committee was to be led by Alhaji Kabiru Balarebe, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Others include DIG Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe,
Commissioner Security, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the State commissioner for information, Hon. Nasiru Masama, commissioner for youths, among others.