Adedokun Waliyu 
The Zamfara state government has directed residents to arm themselves against bandits.
The directive was issued in a statement on Saturday by Ibrahim Dosara, the commissioner for information, in Gusau, the state capital.
Zamfara has been one of the worst-hit states by banditry in Nigeria.
TheCable had reported that the state has the second-highest number of deaths from non-state actors in the first quarter of 2022, with 327 cases.
In reaction to the security challenge, the state government said it is “ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers, to secure basic weapons for defending themselves.”
It also directed the police command to issue gun licences to all who qualify and are willing to obtain firearms to defend themselves.
The Zamfara government then ordered the recruitment of 200 additional community protection guards in each of the 19 emirates to strengthen the security across the state.
“Following the increase in the activities of bandits in various parts of the state and the government’s commitment to ensure adequate security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry in the state, particularly during this rainy season, the government has resolved to take further measures to deal with the recent escalating attacks, kidnapping and the criminal levies being enforced on our innocent communities,” the government said.
“This act of terrorism has been a source of worry and concern to the people and government of the state. Therefore, to deal decisively with the situation in our respective communities, the government has no option than to take the following measures:
