Argungu Emir Urges Subjects To Acquire Arms For Self-defence Amid Recurring Bandit Attacks

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on communities under his emirate in Kebi State to legally acquire weapons to defend themselves against persistent bandit attacks.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures against terrorists and criminal elements who continued to target rural communities.

The monarch made the appeal during a meeting with district, village, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu.

According to him, communities should consider pooling resources to purchase government-approved weapons for self-defence in line with the law.

He noted that such preparations could serve as a deterrence if criminal groups are aware that communities are capable of defending themselves.

The Emir stressed that the goal was not to encourage violence but to strengthen local security in the face of recurring attacks.

He said insecurity has reached a level where security agencies alone cannot fully address the growing threat without community involvement.

The royal father lamented that many villages remained vulnerable because they lacked basic means of protection during sudden attacks.

He observed that in many cases, residents and even local leaders flee during invasions due to inadequate security capacity at the community level.

The Emir, however, clarified that he was not calling for unlawful use of weapons or encouragement of violence against any group.

He emphasised that his message was strictly about lawful self-defence and responsible security awareness.

He warned against ethnic violence and retaliatory killings, noting that such actions only worsen insecurity and create cycles of revenge.

He added that Islam does not support passivity in the face of oppression, but also does not permit injustice or unlawful killings.

The Emir further stated that while some armed groups have left certain areas, remnants continued to operate and maintain links with criminal networks.

He urged communities in the Argungu Emirate to remain alert, cooperate with security agencies, and uphold peaceful coexistence while protecting their lives and property.