Governor Matawalle: Why We Directed Citizens to Acquire Guns
Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has said that the state gsovernment relied on an extant legislation to direct residents to acquire weapons to defend themselves.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Jamilu Magaji, and made available to newsmen yesterday.
Magaji stated that the governor made the remark while inaugurating some security committees in Gusau.
The statement explained that the governor’s directive was part of the administration’s efforts to tackle protracted security challenges in the state.
It added that the State Government was aware of the misgivings expressed in some quarters regarding the new measure.
It noted that the measure was meant “to encourage the communities suffering almost daily from the inhuman aggressions from the bandits to acquire firearms to defend their communities.
“Self-defence is a natural instinct and has always been part of human survival strategy.
“As those entrusted with the safety of lives and property of the people, we will do everything possible to uphold this responsibility within the ambit of the law.
“We are also aware that the security forces are doing their best to combat this formidable challenge.
“Their efforts are, however, hampered by the lack of adequate modern warfare equipment and the dearth of personnel.
“Our decision to mobilise people to secure their communities is, therefore, for the people to complement the efforts of the conventional security forces in dealing with banditry and fishing out informants
“The acquisition and usage of firearms by the public, who desire to do so, would be governed by the Nigeria Firearms Act,” he further stated.
The statement added that the state government had explored all options to address the issue to no avail.
It explained that apart from dialogue, reconciliation and disarmament, the government also had regular engagement with Federal Government and neighbouring states, including the Nigerien authorities.