A House of Representatives member from Maru/Bungudu in Zamfara State has made a controversial call for constituents to withdraw savings and purchase firearms for self-defence against bandits. Hon.
Abdulmalik Zubairu, known as Zannan Bungudu, issued the plea during an interview with DCL Hausa on Sunday.
The lawmaker's remarks came after bandits abducted Bungudu Local Government Chairman Nura Abdullahi and killed four members of his security team in a weekend attack. Zubairu told residents to pool resources and acquire weapons, including AK-47s or similar arms, to protect their communities.
"I advise the people I represent to withdraw their money and buy guns for self-defence," he said. "Whatever they can afford, they should contribute money, get the weapons if they know where to buy them, and protect their communities."
Zubairu acknowledged his suggestion contradicts the Constitution but argued that mass killings of civilians had forced communities into an impossible position. He said choosing illegal self-defence measures over continued deaths represents a difficult but necessary choice.
"I know this is against the Constitution, but killing innocent people is also against the Constitution," he explained. "If you are faced with two difficult situations that are both illegal, it is not bad if you choose one to save lives."
When pressed about whether his comments showed doubt in President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal's security efforts, Zubairu pushed back. He said both administrations were working to tackle insecurity but ordinary citizens still bore responsibility for defending themselves.
"They are doing their best," Zubairu noted. "That is why it is important for ordinary people to also defend themselves and protect their communities."
The lawmaker argued that bandit groups lack numerical superiority over communities they target. He pinpointed access to advanced weapons as their primary advantage over residents.
"The bandits are not more than the people," he said. "What gives them the upper hand is that they have better weapons.
If the people also have weapons, they can defend themselves."
Zubairu suggested communities could legitimise weapons acquisition by registering firearms with authorities. He proposed explaining the security purpose behind owning weapons to relevant officials.
"The people can even go to the authorities and explain why they have the weapons," he added. "They can register them, stating that this weapon is in this person's custody for the protection of this community.
It is painful to continue watching innocent people being killed."
Saturday's attack targeted Abdullahi's residence in the early morning hours. Gunmen engaged security personnel—two police officers and two local vigilantes—in gunfire before killing all four.
The attackers subsequently abducted Abdullahi alongside his wife, children, and other family members, whisking them into nearby forest areas. The incident underscores the deteriorating security situation across parts of northern Nigeria.
