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Some residents of Zamfara State have reacted to the recent directive by the state government urging them to acquire gun licences and get armed to defend themselves from the ravaging bandits and terrorists.
Aminu Haruna, a farmer and resident of Talata Mafara town, described the advice as an indication that terrorists had overpowered the government.
Speaking with SaharaReporters, he said, “It is the responsibility of the government at all levels to ensure the security of the people. But it is a shame that the same government is shifting the responsibility to us.”
He however disclosed that he would comply with the advice if that was the only way to save him and his family from kidnapping and terrorists’ attacks.
“As a farmer, this is the time I frequent the bush so much because of my crops. I am ready to get a gun to defend myself and my family. I will apply for the licence immediately they make the procedures available to the public,” he said.
Only in May, 11 people were killed when suspected terrorists attacked the Ruwan Bore community of Talata Mafara Local Government Area.
Aliyu Zakari is another resident of Zamfara state who spoke to SaharaReporters.
He said the directive was a good development because he believed that would empower the citizen against terrorists attack.
“When I heard the news, I was happy. The governor was right. If all of us have guns, those bastards (terrorists) will not be killing and kidnapping us like fowls,” he said.
However, Muhammad Yakubu said the directive was unreasonable and should not stand because it would only increase criminality in the state.
“If everybody has a gun, the rate of killing will be increased because everyone will be hiding under the guise of self-defence. I don’t think we have reached that stage. Government should instead rise up to their responsibility and stop playing politics with people’s lives,” he added.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Zamfara State Government advised the residents of the state to acquire guns to defend themselves against terrorists’ and bandits’ attacks.
The directive was contained in a special government announcement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Hon Ibrahim Magaji Dosara.
In the special announcement SaharaReporters obtained on Sunday, the government said it had directed the State Commissioner of Police to issue licences to all those who were qualified and were wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves.
It said that Zamfara State was ready to facilitate people, especially their farmers to secure basic weapons for defending themselves, adding that it would establish a centre for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.
