Residents of Argungu Emirate must legally obtain weapons to defend themselves against bandit attacks, the Emir says. Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera made the call at a palace gathering with community leaders.
District heads, village heads, and ward heads attended the meeting. He urged them to take decisive action against terrorists plaguing their areas.
Communities should pool resources to buy approved firearms for protection, he noted. "If bandits know you can defend yourselves, they may think twice," the Emir told the gathering.
According to him, Islamic teaching doesn't permit passivity during violence. "A Muslim cannot sit idle while criminals kill, kidnap, and assault our people," he stated.
Many villages remain defenseless because they lack the capacity to fight back. When attacks occur, even leaders flee, he lamented.
He wasn't advocating lawlessness or vigilante justice, the Emir clarified. Rather, he's pushing for legitimate self-defence since security agencies cannot handle the crisis alone.
Communities continue losing citizens without mounting any resistance, a situation he called deeply troubling. He warned against ethnic clashes and extrajudicial executions.
Anyone using weapons to attack other groups would lose his support. Unlawful killings only spark cycles of revenge, he cautioned.
Armed bandits allegedly left behind by the Lakurawa group still terrorize communities across the emirate. These militants maintain contact with former allies, sources say.
He called on residents to remain alert and work alongside security personnel. Communities must also maintain moral discipline in their conduct, he added.
The security situation in Kebbi State has worsened significantly over recent years. Bandit gangs have intensified attacks on villages, claiming hundreds of lives.
Kidnapping for ransom has become rampant in the region. Schools have shut down repeatedly due to threats against students and teachers.
The Emir's position reflects growing frustration among community leaders over the persistent insecurity. Many believe armed communities can deter future attacks effectively.
State and federal authorities have faced criticism for their inability to contain the violence. Residents increasingly feel abandoned by security forces.
Rights groups have warned against arming civilians without proper oversight. Uncontrolled weapons could escalate conflicts, they caution.
Yet desperation drives many communities toward self-help measures. The choice reflects their loss of faith in conventional security responses.
