Arm yourselves legally, Argungu emir tells bandit-hit communities

The Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on communities within his emirate to legally acquire weapons for self-defence as banditry and criminal violence continue to ravage the region.

The traditional ruler made the appeal during a meeting with district, village and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, where he urged local leaders to take proactive steps to protect their communities rather than remain defenceless against persistent attacks.

Mera said residents should consider pooling resources to procure legally approved arms and strengthen local security arrangements in coordination with relevant authorities, arguing that communities capable of defending themselves could deter criminals from launching raids.

“If you acquire such weapons legally, make sure the bandits know that your community has the means to defend itself. This alone can serve as a deterrent,” he said.

The emir lamented that many rural communities have been rendered vulnerable by their inability to resist bandit incursions, with residents often fleeing their homes whenever criminals invade. He said it was unacceptable for citizens to remain passive in the face of killings, kidnappings and terror.

“It is not right for people to remain passive while criminals kill, kidnap and terrorise innocent citizens. Communities should be prepared to defend themselves, their families and their property against attacks,” he stated.

Mera, however, was careful to distinguish his call from any endorsement of vigilantism or unlawful violence, stressing that his remarks were strictly in support of lawful self-defence and community vigilance. He warned against revenge attacks, ethnic reprisals and extrajudicial killings, cautioning that such actions only deepen cycles of violence and retaliation, and that communities must refrain from targeting innocent persons in response to criminal acts.

The emir also disclosed that although many members of the Lakurawa group had reportedly withdrawn from the area, armed bandits linked to the group and their collaborators continue to threaten local communities.

He called on residents across the Argungu Emirate to cooperate with security agencies, report suspicious activities and uphold peace and the rule of law, maintaining that collective vigilance and closer collaboration with authorities remain essential to reversing the worsening security situation in the region.