The Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Mera, has urged communities within his emirate to legally acquire weapons for self-defence amid persistent attacks by bandits and other criminal groups.
The monarch made the call during a meeting with district heads, village heads and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, where he stressed the need for communities to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves.
According to the emir, residents should consider pooling resources to purchase legally approved weapons and strengthen local security arrangements in collaboration with relevant authorities.
He said communities that possess lawful means of self-defence could discourage attacks by making criminals aware that residents are capable of protecting themselves.
“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 traditional ruler argued that people should not remain defenceless in the face of violence, kidnappings and other criminal activities.
“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 lamented that many rural communities have become vulnerable because they lack adequate means of self-defence, noting that residents often flee whenever bandits invade their villages.
He, however, clarified that his remarks should not be interpreted as support for vigilantism, terrorism or any form of unlawful violence.
The emir emphasized that he was advocating lawful self-defence and community vigilance, particularly as security agencies continue to face significant challenges in addressing insecurity across affected areas.
He warned against revenge attacks, ethnic violence and extrajudicial killings, stressing that such actions only fuel further cycles of conflict and retaliation.
According to him, communities should avoid targeting innocent people in response to attacks carried out by criminal elements.
The traditional ruler also claimed that although many members of the Lakurawa group had reportedly left the area, armed bandits linked to the group and their collaborators continue to pose a threat to local communities.
He called on residents across the Argungu Emirate to cooperate with security agencies, remain alert to suspicious activities and uphold peace and the rule of law in their communities.
The emir maintained that collective vigilance, lawful self-defence measures and stronger collaboration with security authorities are essential to addressing the growing security challenges facing the region.
