In Zamfara State, the proliferation of sophisticated and locally-made guns uncontrollably thrives among residents as armed banditry refuses to cease in the state.

More than 15 villages in Tsafe, Anka and Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have tightened their belts to confront the criminal elements disturbing their peace.

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In the Maru Local Government Area of the state, a resident confidently told FIJ that almost all enabling youths and minors now own a gun. “The common ones you will see are locally made,” he said. “Only a few people have modern riffles like Ak-47.”

“Residents are now fearless to fight for themselves,” a source in Maru LGA said.

While he could not blame people for picking arms, he feared the proliferation of firearms in the state could stare another cutthroat feud.

Meanwhile, the possession of arms by villagers made a difference on Wednesday when bandits invaded Gada. Although they killed Umaru Bawan Allah and abducted dozens of residents, many of whom were women, a combination of vigilantes, residents of the village and a few brave men from an adjoining village challenged the bandits and rescued kidnapped victims. 

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The kidnapping of young women is gaining center stage in Zamfara. A source in Gusau LGA said the gun-wielding elements raided over 15 communities in the last few weeks and took many women away.