The Zamfara Assembly has passed a bill to provide a law for the prohibition and punishment for banditry, cattle rustling, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism and other incidental offences.

Sent to the house by Governor Bello Matawalle, the bill was passed during Monday’s plenary.

The bill was presented by the Deputy House Leader and Chairman, House Committee on Justice and Judiciary, Nasiru Bello-Lawal (APC-Bungudu West).

The Speaker, Nasiru Magarya, said the bill had already gone through its first and second readings and other rigorous legislative processes, including a public hearing.

“There is a need for the passage of the bill by the house, considering its position in contributing to peace and stability in the state,” Mr Magarya said.

After deliberations, the lawmakers unanimously agreed, with the Speaker directing the Clerk of the house to give the bill its third reading.

The Speaker commended the governor for introducing new policies and measures to curtail the menace of banditry and other issues of insecurity bedevilling the state.

However, Speaker Magarya said the policies “can only be successful when the prayers and support of all citizens are enjoyed by the government.”

(NAN)