Zamfara May Shut Down Telecom Services Again As Insecurity Heightens

The increasing security challenges in Zamfara State have prompted the government to consider shutting down telecommunication services in the state for the second time.

Naija News recalls that Governor Bello Matawalle‘s government had on September 4 last year shut down all telecommunication services in the state while taking drastic measures against bandits and other terror groups in the state.

A month later the government announced the reopening of the networks. However, following the recent rise in insecurity in the state, Governor Matawalle’s Special Adviser on Media, Zailani Bappa on Thursday hinted about another closure of the networks.

Bappa clarified that the state government has yet to close down the telecommunication services as being rumoured in the state.

He, however, stated that If the implementation of communication shut down becomes necessary, it can be employed once again.

Bappa stressed that it has become necessary to clear some obvious misconceptions about a certain statement emanating from his office on the alleged closure of telecom services which has generated disturbing rumour in the state.

His words, “His Excellency, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in his usual concern over the menace of banditry in the state, and his care for victims of such crimes, expressed his worry as he commiserated with the families of the recent abduction of young entrepreneurs of Bebeji Plaza.

“It is not enough for Government to commiserate with victims like everyone else, but to inform the general public what measures it is taking to address the challenges at hand.

“Hence, His Excellency made known the position of Government at the time.

“His Excellency said he has rallied all security functionaries in the state around a new strategy of addressing the challenges posed by bandits, especially as the rainy season is here again, which will see the implementation of result-oriented measures.

“He also stated that if the implementation of communication shut down becomes necessary, it can be employed once again.

“But at no point in time did His Excellency announce the shut down of telecommunication services, nor requested the discharging Agency for its implementation.

“This is to put the record properly please”.