Governor Bello Matawalle Sunday banned riding of motorcycles in some parts of Zamfara State, ordering security agents to shoot anyone riding a bike at sight.

“The governor has equally banned riding of motorbikes and selling of petroleum products in Mada, Wonaka and Ruwan Bore districts, as well as Yandoto emirate,” Mr Dosara said in a statement.

“Anyone found riding motorbike within the areas is considered as bandit and security agencies are thereby directed to shoot such persons at sight. Security agencies are by this announcement directed to ensure strict compliance,” he added.

Peoples Gazette had earlier reported that Mr Matawalle charged Nigerians to take up arms in self-defence against bandits, lamenting increased kidnapping for ransom, killings and extortion perpetrated by the marauders in the state.

This comes a few days after President Muhammadu Buhari boasted in an interview with Bloomberg that his regime will leave Nigeria better secured.

“We leave Nigeria in a far better place than we found it. Corruption is less hidden for Nigerians feel empowered to report it without fear, while money is returned; terrorists no longer hold any territory in Nigeria, and their leaders are deceased; and vast infrastructure development sets the country on course for sustainable and equitable growth,” Mr Buhari had told Bloomberg.