The Zamfara state government has approved the recruitment of 2,000 people into the state anti-bullying team.

The Chairman of the State Anti-Violence Standing Committee, Mr. Bello Bakyasuwa, revealed this while speaking to journalists in Gusau on Thursday.

The Nigerian News Agency reports that the committee was established by the state governor, Bello Matawalle, under Executive Order 2 to combat bullying, drug abuse and other related crimes across the state.

Bakyasuwa said: “Yes, Governor Matawalle recently gave us his approval for the recruitment of 2,000 male and female staff into the anti-bullying team in the state.

“We received applications from 6,700 candidates between men and women who were looking for work, we are currently in the hiring process.

“In addition to the 2,000 employees that will be recruited, we are going to recruit additional volunteer staff.

“This is part of the state government’s commitments to expand efforts to combat vandalism, drug abuse and other related crimes in all 14 local government areas of the state.

“Immediately after recruitment, we are going to deploy the newly recruited staff to their respective LGAs.”

Bakyasuwa said the committee since its inception to date has drastically reduced the activities of bullies, drug abuse, social vices and other related crimes in the state.

The president reiterated the committee’s determination to rid the state of bullying, drug abuse and other related crimes.

He warned political parties and politicians against sponsoring youth in bullying, drug abuse and other related crimes in the state.

According to him, the committee would not allow anyone to cause disturbances in the state in the name of politics.

“As I always say, the committee was established by the state government not for political reasons but to improve the security situation and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

“We are not meant for political reasons or witch hunts; we are mandated to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies to address the security challenges facing the state,” Bakyasuwa added.

YAYA