The Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on residents of communities within his emirate to legally acquire weapons and organise community-based self-defence to protect themselves from persistent attacks by bandits and other criminals.
The monarch made the appeal during a meeting with district, village, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu. He said communities must remain vigilant and proactive in confronting the growing insecurity threatening lives and property across the area.
He advised residents to collectively raise funds to purchase legally approved weapons for self-defence, noting that the knowledge that a community can defend itself could discourage attacks.
The Emir stated that Islam does not encourage believers to remain helpless in the face of violence and criminality, adding that it is wrong for Muslims to stay passive while criminals kill, kidnap, and rape. He urged residents to prepare to defend themselves, their families, and their communities.
He lamented that many rural residents flee when bandits strike because they lack the capacity to resist, including village heads. The Emir clarified that he was not calling for vigilantism or lawlessness but lawful self-defence, acknowledging that the security crisis has become too overwhelming for security agencies to handle alone.
He warned against ethnic violence, revenge attacks, and extrajudicial killings, stating that every unlawful killing only breeds another cycle of revenge. The Emir also alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group had left the area, they left behind armed bandits who continue to terrorise communities.
He called on residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and uphold the fear of God as efforts continue to address the region’s security challenges.
