The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on residents of communities under his emirate in Kebbi State to legally acquire weapons and establish community-based self-defence mechanisms to protect themselves against persistent attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.
The monarch made the appeal during a meeting with district heads, village heads, and ward heads held at his palace in Argungu.
According to the Emir, communities must remain vigilant and proactive in confronting the growing insecurity threatening lives and property across the area. He urged residents to collectively raise funds to procure legally approved weapons for self-defence, stressing that the knowledge that a community can defend itself could serve as a deterrent to 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,” Mera said.
The traditional ruler noted that Islam does not encourage believers to remain helpless 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.
Lamenting the vulnerability of many rural communities, the Emir said residents often flee during attacks because they lack the capacity to resist armed assailants.
“When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence,” he said.
Mera, however, clarified that his remarks should not be interpreted as an endorsement of vigilantism or lawlessness, stressing that any acquisition of weapons must be done within the confines of the law.
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