I’d have taken up arms, says Yari as he asks Buhari to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

Abdulaziz Yari, governor of Zamfara state,  says he would have taken up arms against bandits in the state if his office allowed.

Yari said this while addressing reporters in Gasau, the state capital on Thursday.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the state while warning politicians against politicising the security situation.

“I am also in support of the declaration of state of emergency if it will save the lives of people of the state,” he said.

“We are talking about the lives of our people and this needs the coming together of all, so that the crisis can end.

“If the provisions of my office had allowed me to carry arms against the bandits, l would have done so.

“But, if I am not around, there are capable hands that collaborate with the security team in the fight against the bandits.

“The security men are doing their best. But, it is sad to know that some of the people involved in the kidnappings are close relatives or associates of the victims, which is part of the reasons the problem is persisting.

“We must all come together and expose anyone or group that is part of these hoodlums, and we should also pray for Allah’s intervention.”

The state has been under continuous attacks from bandits and insurgents.

Last month, Yari said he had resigned as the chief security officer of the state due to lack of adequate response from federal government-controlled security agencies.

In an editorial on Thursday, TheCable called on the current administration to end the wanton killings in the state.