By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on communities within his emirate to legally acquire weapons and strengthen local security measures to protect themselves against persistent attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.
The monarch made the call during a meeting with district heads, village heads, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, where security challenges affecting communities across the emirate dominated discussions.
Communities Must Be Prepared
Speaking during the meeting, the Emir urged residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their communities from terrorists and armed criminals.
He advised communities to collectively raise funds for the purchase of legally approved weapons for self-defence, stressing that preparedness could discourage attacks by criminal groups.
“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,” the monarch said.
Self-Defence Within the Law
The Emir clarified that he was not encouraging citizens to take the law into their own hands or engage in unlawful activities.
Rather, he said communities should explore lawful means of protecting lives and property, especially as security agencies continue to face enormous challenges in tackling insecurity across affected areas.
According to him, Islam does not support passivity in the face of violence and criminality.
“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 stated.
Growing Security Concerns
The royal father lamented the vulnerability of many rural communities, noting that the absence of effective self-defence mechanisms has left residents exposed during attacks.
He observed that in many instances, residents and even traditional leaders are forced to flee when bandits strike because they lack adequate means of protection.
The Bureau Journal gathered that insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of Kebbi State, with communities frequently reporting attacks by armed groups.
Warning Against Ethnic Violence and Revenge Attacks
While advocating lawful self-defence, the Emir strongly warned against ethnic profiling, revenge attacks, and extrajudicial killings.
He stressed that no individual should use weapons to target innocent people or members of other ethnic groups.
According to him, many security crises are sustained by cycles of retaliation, making it important for communities to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
He maintained that every unlawful killing often creates fresh grievances and fuels further violence.
Call for Vigilance and Cooperation
The Emir also expressed concern that although many members of the Lakurawa group had reportedly left the area, armed bandits allegedly linked to former collaborators remain active in some communities.
He therefore urged residents across the Argungu Emirate to remain alert, support security agencies with credible information, and continue to uphold peace and lawful conduct.
The monarch further called on community leaders to encourage cooperation with security agencies while promoting unity and the fear of God in all dealings.
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