Emir urges Kebbi communities to acquire licensed weapons amid rising bandit attacks

The residents of communities within the Argungu Emirate in Kebbi State have been urged to consider acquiring legally approved weapons for self-defence as insecurity continues to threaten lives and property across the area.

Muhammad Samaila Mera, Emir of Argungu, made the call during a meeting with district, village and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, stressing the need for communities to strengthen their capacity to protect themselves against recurring attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.

The monarch said that communities should collectively mobilise resources to procure licensed weapons, arguing that the availability of lawful means of defence could serve as a deterrent to criminals targeting vulnerable settlements.

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According to him, residents should not remain defenceless while armed groups continue to kill, abduct and terrorise innocent citizens.

Mera expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the emirate, noting that many villages have become easy targets because they lack the ability to resist attacks.

He lamented that residents, including some traditional leaders, are often forced to flee their communities whenever armed gangs strike, leaving entire settlements at the mercy of criminals.

The emir maintained that Islam does not encourage people to surrender helplessly to violence, adding that individuals have a legitimate responsibility to defend themselves, their families and their communities when faced with threats to their lives.

He clarified that his remarks should not be interpreted as support for vigilantism or unlawful violence, but an advocacy for lawful self-defence within the provisions of existing regulations.

Mera argued that the scale of insecurity confronting rural communities has become too widespread for security agencies alone to tackle effectively, making community vigilance and cooperation increasingly important.

The traditional ruler also cautioned against reprisals and ethnic-based attacks, warning that revenge killings would only deepen divisions and perpetuate violence.

He stressed that no one should use weapons to target innocent people or attack members of other ethnic groups under any circumstance.

The emir further alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group were reported to have left the area following security operations, some armed bandits believed to be associated with the group were still active in affected communities.

He called on the residents to remain vigilant, maintain close collaboration with security agencies and continue promoting peaceful coexistence despite the security challenges facing the region.