Bandits' Attacks: Argungu Emir Asks Communities To Arm Themselves
Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has asked members of his emirate to legally acquire weapons and organize self-defence measures against relentless bandit attacks.
Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has asked members of his emirate to legally acquire weapons and organize self-defence measures against relentless bandit attacks.
Mera was reacting to the worsening security crisis in the state.
Addressing district, village, and ward heads at his palace, the monarch noted that communities can no longer afford to remain vulnerable while armed criminals terrorize residents, destroy livelihoods, and threaten lives.
His words, “We must not sit helplessly while bandits kill our people, kidnap innocent citizens, and violate our communities.
Mera was reacting to the worsening security crisis in the state.
Addressing district, village, and ward heads at his palace, the monarch noted that communities can no longer afford to remain vulnerable while armed criminals terrorize residents, destroy livelihoods, and threaten lives.
His words, “We must not sit helplessly while bandits kill our people, kidnap innocent citizens, and violate our communities.
“Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families, and your communities against any attack.
“If bandits know a community has the means to defend itself, that knowledge alone can serve as a powerful deterrent.
“I am not encouraging terrorism, revenge attacks, or taking the law into your own hands.
“No one should use weapons to attack other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful killings.”
Mera further urged residents to collectively raise funds to purchase government-approved weapons, pointing out that lawful possession of defensive arms could discourage criminals from targeting their villages.
According to him, many communities have become easy targets due to lack of the capacity to resist attacks, stressing that, fear often forced residents—including traditional leaders—to flee when armed gangs strike.
According to him, many communities have become easy targets due to lack of the capacity to resist attacks, stressing that, fear often forced residents—including traditional leaders—to flee when armed gangs strike.
Mera, then cautioned that reprisals only fuel an endless cycle of violence, urging residents to avoid targeting innocent people in retaliation for attacks.
Acknowledging efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities, the monarch noted that the scale of the security challenge has become too overwhelming for government forces alone to handle, hence the need for community vigilance.
He further alleged that although many members of the notorious Lakurawa group had left the area, armed bandits linked to the group remained active.
Acknowledging efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities, the monarch noted that the scale of the security challenge has become too overwhelming for government forces alone to handle, hence the need for community vigilance.
He further alleged that although many members of the notorious Lakurawa group had left the area, armed bandits linked to the group remained active.
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