Acquire arms, defend yourselves against bandits, Emir tells Nigerians

Amid growing insecurity and relentless bandit attacks in parts of Kebbi State, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has urged communities under his domain to legally acquire weapons and prepare to defend themselves against criminal elements.

The monarch’s remarks came during a meeting with district heads, village heads and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, where he expressed concern over the vulnerability of many rural communities to attacks by bandits and other armed groups.

In a message that underscored the gravity of the security situation, the Emir advised residents to explore lawful means of protecting themselves, including raising communal funds to procure legally approved firearms for self-defence.

“If you acquire such weapons legally, make sure the bandits are aware that your community possesses the means to defend itself. This alone can serve as a deterrent and discourage attacks,” he said.

The traditional ruler lamented that many communities have become easy targets because they lack the capacity to resist attacks when criminals strike.

“When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence,” he stated.

The Emir said it was unacceptable for innocent citizens to continue to suffer killings, abductions and other forms of violence without any form of resistance.

“It is not right for a Muslim to remain passive while criminals kill people, kidnap innocent citizens and rape our women. Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families and your communities against any attack,” he declared.

However, the monarch was quick to clarify that he was not advocating lawlessness, vigilantism or ethnic violence. He stressed that any form of self-defence must be lawful and coordinated with security agencies.

According to him, the worsening security challenge has become too widespread for security agencies alone to tackle without community support.

The Emir also warned residents against revenge attacks and extrajudicial killings, noting that retaliatory violence only fuels further bloodshed.

“I will not support anyone carrying arms to attack other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful killings,” he cautioned.

Alhaji Mera further alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group had reportedly left the area, armed bandits linked to the group and their collaborators remained active and continued to terrorise communities.

He therefore urged residents across the emirate to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and uphold peaceful coexistence while taking lawful steps to protect their communities from criminal attacks.