ZAMFARA: Govt orders immediate closure of four markets as death toll mounts

THE government has ordered the immediate closure of four markets in the state following wanton killings wreaked on four different villages across the Northwestern state.

Initial reports said 30 people were killed but the death toll has continued to mount making the current number of the victims of the attacks to be 60.

There have been insinuations that the bandits are still lurking around the villages where they perpetrated the dastardly acts with some reports saying they (bandits) often take cover in busy markets.

This may have informed the decision of the governor to shut down some of the busiest markets in the state.

According to a statement from the Commissioner for Information in the State, Ibrahim Dosara, the closure will take effect immediately.

Dosara listed the markets as Magami and Wanke markets in Gusau LGA, Dansadau market in Maru, and Dauran market in Zurmi.

While calling for collaboration among security agencies in the state, the commissioner added that “anyone found violating law and order within and around the affected markets” will be dealt with “ruthlessly”.

Dosara, who described the recent attacks as act of “terrorism”, said the state is deeply saddened by the development, considering its peace-building efforts.

“The Government of Zamfara State under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawallen Maradun, is deeply saddened by Wednesday’s attacks on some communities in Magami District of Gusau Local Government Area of the state,” the statement reads.

“The government noted with dismay, the callous act of terrorism meted to innocent people carrying out their legitimate businesses in search of food for their respective families.

“The government, therefore, condemned the act of terrorism targeted at law-abiding citizens who have been contributing to the development of the state in particular and the country in general.

“The government, disturbed by the senseless killings, maiming and general destruction of lives and property of the mostly farming communities, had already condoled with the families of the victims of the dastardly act of the callous. The government regretted that the evil act happened when the government is making every effort to ensure full return of peace and security in the state.”

Dosara added that the ministry of humanitarian affairs has been directed to urgently reach out to affected communities for provision of immediate assistance to the families of the victims.