Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle has clarified that his directive urging residents to acquire firearms is for them to complement the efforts of security forces in the ongoing war against insurgency.
Matawalle made the clarification while inaugurating four special committees at the Government House in Gusau, the State capital.
Though the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor faulted the moves, the Zamfara state Governor said the inauguration of the committees was part of the strategies to ensure proper implementation of the security measures being taken to tackle the upsurge of banditry in the State.
Governor Matawalle said government was aware of the efforts of security forces in tackling the prevailing insecurity in the state.
He, however, opined that efforts of the armed forces had been impeded by lack of modern war hardware and adequate manpower, hence the reason he decided people should procure weapons to defend themselves against the terrorists.
Matawalle stated that in recent weeks, Zamfara had witnessed terrorist attacks in various communities, especially within Bukkuyum, Gusau and Gummi Local Government Areas of the State.
The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to explore strategies to crush the security challenges and the sufferings endured by the citizens at the hands of the terrorists.
The four special committees established, include the Committee on Intelligence Gathering and Bandits’ Informants, Committee on Prosecution of Banditry Related Offences, Management of Community Protection Guards and Special Standing Security Committee.
RN