Zamfara Killings: Situation getting out of hand, says IGP

Source: Daily Trust
Police inspector-general Ibrahim Idris says security situation in Zamfara is getting out of hand even as he promised through investigation into killings in Birane village last Wednesday.

Delivering a short speech at  the palace of emir of Zurmi, Abubakar  Muhammad, when he paid a condolence visit to the Emirate the IGP said the perpetrators of the dastardly act would soon be brought to book.

Responding , Muhammad said the gunmen invaded Birane village on about 200 motorbikes firing at residents.

He said in the past, dozens of residents were killed in his emirate in similar attacks and they were thinking that with the assurance given by the government and the security operatives that the attacks and would be stopped.

The emir then charged the security operatives to live up to the expectations of the people in tackling the menace of armed banditry and cattle rustling plaguing the communities.

"We are begging you to help us in protecting our lives and property. The Police Force and the Federal Government should provide adequate logistics to the security officials," he added.

In his speech,  Governor Abdulaziz Yari who was represented by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Dankande Gamji said he forewarned the security operatives of the impending attack but nothing was done to avert it.

He then implored the Inspector General of Police to use wisdom in order to bring about the much needed change in the security architecture of the state urging him  to act aggressively.

Pass Not To Young To Run Bill, Group Tasks Zamfara State House of Assembly

Youth organizations in Zamfara State under the aegis of Not Too Young To Run, have called on the state Assembly to urgently pass the Age Reduction Bill or forget the votes of the youth in 2019.
The Not Too Young Run Movement said they are driven by the compelling need to restructure the country’s political system to address the deeply entrenched system of political exclusion and institute inclusive politics, transformative leadership and electoral competitiveness in the electoral process.

Speaking to newsmen in Gusau,  the state Coordinator of the movement, Anas Sanusi Gusau said youths have greater role to play in participating in various development activities in the country.
”As we prepare for the 2019 general elections, the imperative of youths inclusion especially as candidates for all elective positions is not a matter for debate but a constitutional issue,” he said.
The Coordinator added data from the Independent National Electoral Commission ((INEC) indicates that about 52% of registered voters are young people between the ages 18-35 years.
“The reason why we are advocating for the passage of these bills is because of their impact in protecting the interest of youths and people at low level to participate in political and leadership issues in the country,” he said.
Gusau added that 23 out of the 36 state assemblies across the country had so far adopted the age reduction bill.
“We urge the National Assembly to transmit the constitution amendment bills to the President for assent as soon as the amendments are received from the states. Any further delay will not only undermine Nigeria’s democracy but could negatively impact on the 2019 elections,” he said.
He claimed youths have greater role to play in various development activities in the country.
“The 2019 elections present an opportunity for young people to assert their power not only as voters or campaign merchants but as qualified candidates,” he declared.