By Zailani Bappa
His Excellency Dr Bello Mohammed invited the National Communications Commission to order the suspension of communications by providers in the state. Tis is a part of measures introduced to curb and nip in the bud, the growing bandits activities in the state.
Since the introduction of this latest measure, reports from the active field indicates a tremendous success being recorded against the bandits who are now agitated and in many instances, wallowing around in utter disarray. The pockets of their unholy strikes indicating a sprouting anger and hight state of frustration.
The spillage of many groups of bandits from the state to neighboring states also necessitated the introduction of similar measures in at least two of the neighboring states which are further frustrating the determination of the fleeing bandits to regroup.
Ab initio, the residents of Zamfara state, indigenes and non indigenes, were united in their total support to the measure taken by the state Government. The lack of communication facilities to function has been accepted by majority of the Zamfara State residents as a necessary sacrifice they have to offer and bear with in order to find a lasting peace in the state.
However, in a very devilish and sadistic approach to appraising the situation in Zamfara state, some obviously contracted non governmental organizations, a manipulated section of the media and some known public commentators have been trying to vilify the measure taken, hammering on the economic hardship they believe the measure is promoting in the state.
Surprisingly, these are the same groups and media who were happily narrating the extent of the bandits escapades in the pas, sometimes with lots of hyperbole to smear the name of the state Government. Today, as the bandits are taking the toll of their misdeeds, the same groups are finding excuses to allow them have a breath if fresh air to recoup.
Who on earth is talking about economic hardship when droves are being raped, kidnapped and killed? Certainly not the residents of Zanfara state! The ongoing campaigns to discredit the measures taken by the state Government with bogus and obviously false statistics on the increasing economic hardship in the state is completely anti humanity and the work of the devil.
Yes, no doubt the lack of communication ability in today’s World would affect every person in terms of his business, work place and socialization. The ease of lives is a bit screwed up in such instance. But the State Government is not insensitive to these temporary hardships. Hence, the State Government constituted a palliative Committee under the abled leadership of Alhaji Aminu Sani Jaji to address these concerns.
Already, all Civil Servants are receiving palliative cash while other citizens will get appropriate support in terms of cash, food and products to support their businesses and personal lives. It is very unfortunate that at this hour of our journey some supposed civilized groups are hell bent on supporting criminals to have an upper hand on our innocent people. Such groups must be treated in the same coin as the bandits.
Finally, it must be re-iterated here and always that the communications black out has come to stay until success is adequately achieved. No amount of blackmail will deter the state government from doing what is right for the sake of its people.
Zailani Writes from Gusau.