The Emir of Argungu, Kebbi state, Muhammad Merahas, has urged communities under his authority to adopt lawful self-defence measures against persistent bandit attacks.
Merahas encouraged residents to consider legally acquiring arms alongside a strengthened local coordination against repeated attacks by the terrorists.
The traditional ruler made the appeal during a meeting with district heads, village heads and ward heads at his palace on Friday where he also stressed vigilance and proactive community responses.
He explained that properly acquired weapons could serve as a deterrent to attackers, noting that communities should make their capabilities known without resorting to illegality.
“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.
Furthermore, the monarch grounded his position in religious reasoning, arguing that Islam does not support passivity 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,” he stated.
However, he lamented what he described as growing vulnerability across many settlements, attributing the occurrence to the absence of effective self defence structures.
However, the Emir clarified that his position should not be interpreted as encouragement for unlawful action or ethnic violence, stressing that self-defence must remain within legal boundaries.
Merahas warned that taking the law into one’s hands would worsen insecurity and deepen cycles of retaliation.
The emir cautioned against reprisal attacks, noting that many killings stem from cycles of revenge that endanger innocent lives and escalate tensions between communities.
He also observed that although members of the Lakurawa group had largely dispersed from the area, armed elements allegedly remained behind, continuing to collaborate with criminal networks and sustain attacks on vulnerable communities.
The monarch called on residents across the emirate to stay alert, cooperate closely with security agencies and maintain strong moral discipline among each other.