The Zamfara State Government is to make good its directive to residents to arm and defend themselves against marauding bandits engaged in kidnap for ransom in the state by issuing interested residents licences to bear arms.
According to the state Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the measure is necessitated by the rising spate of banditry and kidnapping across the state.
He also disclosed that the state would set up a new paramilitary unit and more community protection guards to assist in the fight against the bandits.
The new paramilitary unit, he added, would be headed by a retired police commissioner.
As part of security measures put in place in the state, the government also banned the use of motorcyles and selling of petrol in three districts and one emirate, which are the most affected by banditry.
The Commissioner said: “Anybody found riding motorbike within the areas is considered as bandits and security agencies are thereby directed to shoot such persons at sight.”
Though the Chief of Defence State, Gen. Lucky Irabor, described the decision as inappropriate, the extreme decision of the Zamfara State government is a seen as a desperate measure to curb rampaging bandits.