Argungu, Kebbi State — In a bold response to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has urged communities across his emirate to legally acquire weapons and organize self-defence measures against relentless bandit attacks.
Addressing district, village, and ward heads at his palace, the respected monarch declared that communities can no longer afford to remain vulnerable while armed criminals terrorize residents, destroy livelihoods, and threaten lives.
“We must not sit helplessly while bandits kill our people, kidnap innocent citizens, and violate our communities,” the Emir said. “Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families, and your communities against any attack.”
The royal father encouraged residents to collectively raise funds to purchase government-approved weapons, stressing that lawful possession of defensive arms could discourage criminals from targeting their villages.
“If bandits know a community has the means to defend itself, that knowledge alone can serve as a powerful deterrent,” he noted.
The Emir lamented that many communities have become easy targets because they lack the capacity to resist attacks. According to him, fear often forces residents—including traditional leaders—to flee when armed gangs strike.
However, he was quick to draw a line between self-defence and lawlessness.
“I am not encouraging terrorism, revenge attacks, or taking the law into your own hands,” he warned. “No one should use weapons to attack other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful killings.”
The monarch cautioned that reprisals only fuel an endless cycle of violence, urging residents to avoid targeting innocent people in retaliation for attacks.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies, the Emir argued that the scale of the security challenge has become too overwhelming for government forces alone to handle, making community vigilance more important than ever.
He further alleged that although many members of the notorious Lakurawa group had left the area, armed bandits linked to the group remained active, continuing to terrorize local communities.
Calling for unity, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies, the Emir urged residents to remain watchful and uphold justice and the fear of God in all their actions.
His remarks are likely to reignite national debate over community self-defence, local security initiatives, and the role citizens should play in protecting themselves amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against banditry and terrorism.
Source:@DailyTrust
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