Zamfara's Governor Yari offers N1m for every AK47 handed in as part of fresh drive to combat violence

ZAMFARA State governor Abdulaziz Yari has offered to pay N1m ($2,750) for every single AK47 Kalashnikov rifle handed in as part of a desperate attempt to mop up the large number of illegal firearms in circulation across the state.

Like many of Nigeria's states, Zamfara is awash with weapons and of late, the state has been the centre of some very brutal violence involving Fulani cattle herdsmen and local farmers. Earlier this year, Governor Yari dropped the title of chief security office of the state in exasperation at the federal government's refusal to address the ongoing violence, that has claimed hundreds of lives in Zamfara.

Now, Governor Yari is taking things a step further, adding that the new the gesture had become necessary following the unabated increase in crime, especially abductions. He added that he wondered why in 2015, with just about 250 soldiers, the crime rate in Zamfara was low but with over 1,600 soldiers of different categories now, there is a very high crime rate.

Governor Yari said with the proposed engagement of 8,500 youths as members of a civilian task force would help offer more security as they would be equipped to fight against armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping across the state. He added that many of the youths that would be engaged would come from the rural areas where the crime rate was higher.

“I am confident that since the locals know the people in their surroundings, they will be quick in detecting any new comer or suspicious movement. Armed bandits have continued to storm various communities in the state, especially at the rural areas where they kill, maim, abduct people and burn houses, shops and other properties," Governor Yari added.