Thugs caught with rifles will face prosecution – Gov. Matawalle

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has vowed that thugs caught with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons during a political rally in the state earlier in the week, must be brought to book.

Matawalle while addressing newsmen at his country home in Maradun town, Maradun Local Government Area of the state, on Friday, said only security operatives were empowered by law to carry AK-47 rifles or any other sophisticated weapon.

“I wonder what civilians could be doing with AK-47 rifles or other dangerous weapons if they are not terrorists,” he added.

According to him, the suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction as soon as thorough investigations are concluded.

He noted that he had directed all security chiefs in the state to properly abide by the presidential order to shoot anybody caught with AK-47 rifle or any dangerous weapon during campaign and election periods.

He cautioned all the political parties in the state to play politics according to the rules.

The anti-thuggery committee established by the Zamfara State Government had arrested and paraded 35 alleged political thugs.

According to the chairman of the committee, Mr. Bello Bakyasuwa, the thugs were apprehended during a political rally on Monday in the state.

The chairman said another suspected political thug who set ablaze a government vehicle on Tuesday in Gusau, the state capital, was also arrested.

He added that the rate at which the youths were moving about with weapons during political rallies and social gatherings had become worrisome.