Zamfara State Government Call to Arms is a Call to arms -By Aliyu Danladi

The Zamfara State Government has called on its citizens to pick up arms and defend themselves against the terror of banditry across the State. While it may sound like a pleasing solution to the havoc of the insurgency, it is an ill-informed decision with far-reaching consequences than the intended outcome.

The nature of the insurgency in Zamfara state does not demand a call to arms. A call to arms is made where a nation or a group is fighting an identifiable and marked out enemy. The nature of banditry in Zamfara is such that there are intricacies, complexities and conspiracies that identifying the bandits and their conspirators is difficult. There have been many cases where unsuspected individuals were apprehended in relations to associating with bandits. Some community heads, wives, sons and relatives have conspired in kidnappings and attacks.

With the complex nature of banditry in Zamfara, how then does the government distinguish those buying arms to defend themselves and those buying to aid bandits? How does the government even intend the masses to access weapons and register them under the prevailing terror? A call to arms, is therefore, the easiest way to facilitate proliferation and multiplication of arms among bandits and other unscrupulous elements.

If a call to arms should be made anywhere, after all, it shouldn’t be Nigeria where communal clashes are common and disorder is almost an order. Legalizing the purchase and use of arms will only simplify and increase crimes. Innocent people might fall victims of simple allegations of being associated to banditry. There will be summary executions without trials and still, the arms might be used to cause more havoc in the form of looting and theft.

It is therefore, pertinent and necessary for the government to stand up to its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. The poor people of Zamfara are too anguished to pick up weapons. Even if they would, they are so enraged that they might resort to plunder. After all, the insurgents will benefit from such legalization of arms with their complex web of informers and conspirators.

The government should reinforce its forces and save the people of Zamfara state.