The governor said the mining framework was the key to a lasting solution to the activities of armed bandits and kidnappers.
The markets were shut down as part of the measures to address the security challenges in the state.
Mr Matawalle warned them not to disappoint the confidence of the government and people, promising to support them in the quest to bring an end to banditry.
Mr Matawalle insisted declaring a state of emergency was the “only available avenue of ending the increasing security challenges at hand.”
The PDP says it would be unlawful for Mr Matawalle and Mr Gusau to retain their offices after defecting to the APC.
Communications and digital economy minister Isa Pantami has deployed digital emergency call centres to fight armed bandits in Zamfara.
Mr Matawalle had in June sacked all political appointees except the security adviser, he later reversed the decision and asked the officials to return to their posts.
Zamfara deputy governor Muhammad Gusau has refused to defect to the APC, following Governor Bello Matawalle’s defection to the party on Tuesday.
The governor further assured that with the plans on ground, the countryside would be rid of criminals in time for farmers to return to their farms for the impending farming season.
Zamfara government says its amnesty programme for bandits in the state has resulted in the criminals surrendering more than 200 weapons.
