Nigerian governor lets residents carry guns for self-defense

27/6/2022 13:02

        A Nigerian governor has ordered the issuing of licenses so citizens can carry guns to defend themselves against armed groups, a first among the measures drawn up to defeat gunmen blamed for the deaths of thousands in the West African country's troubled northern region.
        
        Zamfara state Gov. Bello Matawalle announced Sunday through the state commissioner for information that the directive to issue gun licenses follows "the recent escalating attacks, kidnapping and the criminal levies being enforced on our innocent communities.”
        
        Armed groups known locally as bandits have targeted remote communities in Nigeria's northwest and central regions. Kidnappings for ransom took place last year in Zamfara, one of the worst-hit states in the armed violence.