…Orders closure of markets, roads in some communities
As part of measures to curtail bandits attacks and other criminal activities in Bukkuyum, Anka and Gummi local government areas in the state, Zamfara State government has ordered the closure of the three local government areas in preparation for a major crackdown on bandits by Nigerian security forces.
The directive was contained in a public announcement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara on Thursday.
It reads in parts, “This is to inform the general public that, following the recent spate of attacks on some communities across some Local Government Areas of the state and the rising cases of kidnapping in the communities as well as along some major roads in the state, Government has considered and approved some recommendations by the Security Council aimed at curtailing the activities of the hoodlums.
“Government is saddened and worried about the re-surgence of the activities of bandits and the recent killings of some innocent people in Gusau, Tsafe, Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka Bungudu, Maru, Maradun and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas.
“Government therefore condoled with the families of the victims of the bandits’ attacks and prayed for the repose of the departed souls. Government is also touched by the killings of some of our gallant security operatives who lost their lives in our defense. May their souls rest in peace. Government condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those wounded in the attacks”.
The state government further disclosed that, as a result of the pervasive insecurity, the extent of the attacks as well as measures being taken, there is need to stop all political activities in the state in order to save lives and ensure security.
It added, “The general public is hereby inform that, following the lost of lives of our fellow brothers and sisters, His Excellency the Executive Governor of Zamfara State Honourable Dr. Bello Muhammad, MON (Matawallen Maradun) has ordered for the immediate suspension of all APC meetings and activities as part of his government concern and sympathy in this direction. Stakeholders invited for Friday October 14th, 2022 APC Stakeholders Meeting are hereby advised to hold on for a new date for the meeting. Any inconveniences caused are regretted.
“Furthermore, government has suspended all political activities in the state till further notice. Political meetings and gatherings at individual residences are also banned with immediate effect, henceforth.
“Government at this point has found it necessary to introduce some stringent measures that may inadvertently hurt everybody. However, the measures are targeted at curtailing the recent excesses of the bandits with the overall abjective of crippling their capacity to attack our communities”.
The government further noted that, as part of measures taken, it has also ordered the total shutdown of some towns and villages which include; Yarkofoji, Birnin Tudu, Rini, Gora Namaye, Janbako, Faru, Kaya, Boko and Mada.
It stated, “All movements are henceforth restricted in the afore-mentioned local governments and towns. Security personnel have been directed to deal ruthlessly with anybody found violating the restriction order*.
It further added that, the state government also considered closing down Danjibga and Bagega markets as well as closing down some roads travelling some communities in the state until situation improves.
The roads include; Colony to Lambar Boko road, Bakura to Lambar Damri road, Mayanchi- Daki Takwas to Gummi road, Daki Takwas to Zuru road, Kucheri- Bawaganga – Wanke road, Magami to Dangulbi road and Gusau to Magami road.
The Public announcement added, “These measures are taken to facilitate and enable our gallant security operatives to conduct their operations without hindrances. By this announcement, security personnel are hereby directed to deal ruthlessly with any one found violating these orders.
“Government sincerely regretted any inconvenience caused to the general public by these measures”.
