By Enyichukwu Enemanna
As Nigeria continues to face raft of security challenges arising from the activities of armed bandits, a revered traditional ruler, the Emir of Argungu, of the North West State of Kebbi, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on his subjects to consider acquisition of weapons through the legal means as a esy of protecting themselves from attacks
The West African nation has in recent weeks witnessed an escalation in the number of kidnap cases across the country, with dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers abducted from a school in the South West State of Oyo still in captivity two weeks later.
Opposition figures and civil society organisations have accused the government of failing in its responsibility of ensuring the security of citizens. Teachers union in the state has announced indefinite strike in response to the school abduction.
The nation’s labour union has equally threatened to cripple social and economic activities if steps are not taken to ensure their safe return. The escalation has been blamed on inability of security officials to put banditry under control.
“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 Emir said during a meeting with district heads, village heads, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, where he urged communities to explore raising funds collectively to purchase legally approved weapons for self-defence.
He stressed that his Islamic religion does not encourage people to remain helpless in the face of violence.
“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,” the Emir stated.
The royal father lamented that many communities had become vulnerable because they lack the means to defend themselves.
He said, “When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence.”
He clarified that he was not encouraging communities to take the law into their own hands or engage in acts of terrorism, but rather advocating lawful self-defence, noting that the security challenge has become too overwhelming for security agencies alone to handle.
He said it was disheartening for communities to continue to lose lives without any form of resistance, while warning against ethnic violence and extrajudicial killings.
The Emir said, although many members of the Lakurawa terror group had left the area, they had allegedly left behind armed bandits who continue to terrorize communities and maintain links with their former collaborators.
He called on communities across the Argungu Emirate to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and uphold the fear of God in all their dealings
