Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari has asked residents to arm themselves in order to battle bandits who are terrorising them.
According to the governor, security officials alone cannot address the state’s vulnerability.
Masari stated during a press conference in Katsina that the state’s security forces were insufficient to deal with the situation.
He added that the state government would assist those who intend to acquire firearms in order to help put a stop to the state’s recent outbreak of banditry.
“We’ll support those who come with the initiative to procure arms because residents need to also complement the efforts of security agencies. These people (security agents) don’t have the number to protect the people”.
The governor said the police would register all guns purchased by residents to guarantee that they were used properly.
Terrorist assaults have been ongoing in Katsina, as well as other North-western states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
This year, hundreds of people have been killed or kidnapped in Katsina, and thousands more have been forced to flee their homes.
