The Zamfara government, on Friday, announced a total lockdown in Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi local government areas following the resurgence of bandit attacks on communities.

The lockdown is contained in a statement issued by the commissioner for information, Ibrahim Dosara, on Friday in Gusau.

“The government announces a lockdown in nine major towns to stop the spate of the attacks on such communities in the affected areas. These are Yarkofoji, Birnin Tudu, Rini, Gora Namaye, Janbako, Faru, Kaya, Boko and Mada towns,” the statement said. “Government also announced the closing down of markets in Danjibga and Bagega as well as Colony to Lambar Boko Road, Bakura to Lambar Damri Road and Mayanchi-Daki Takwas to Gummi Road.”

Other areas are the Daki Takwas to Zuru Road, Kucheri-Bawaganga-Wanke Road, Magami to Dangulbi Road and Gusau to Magami Road.

According to the government, the measures were taken to facilitate the efforts of security operatives in flushing out criminal elements in the areas.

Governor Bello Matawalle also ordered the immediate suspension of all APC meetings and activities as part of his government’s concern and sympathy for the affected people and communities.

“Stakeholders invited for the Friday APC stakeholders’ meeting are hereby advised to hold on for a new date for the meeting. Furthermore, (the) government has suspended all political activities in the state till further notice,” the statement noted. “Political meetings and gatherings at individual residences are also banned with immediate effect.”

The Zamfara government said the decision was “without prejudice to anyone and is intended to arrest the situation before it went out of control.”

It said it was “saddened and worried” about the resurgence of bandits and the killings of innocent people in Gusau, Tsafe, Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka Bungudu, Maru, Maradun and Kaura Namoda local government areas.

“Government is also touched by the killings of some of our gallant security operatives who lost their lives in our defence. Government, therefore, condoled with the families of the victims of the bandits’ attacks and prayed for the repose of the departed souls,” added the statement.

(NAN)