As insecurity continues to threaten rural communities across parts of Kebbi State, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila-Mera, has called on residents of his emirate to take proactive but lawful steps to protect themselves against bandit attacks and other criminal activities.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with district heads, village heads and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, the traditional ruler urged communities to legally acquire government-approved firearms and strengthen local vigilance as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.
The emir stressed that communities must intensify intelligence gathering and promptly share credible information with security agencies to enhance ongoing operations against criminal elements.
According to him, collective community action, including the mobilisation of resources to procure legally approved weapons, could significantly improve local security and deter attacks.
“If communities legally acquire arms and bandits become aware that residents are prepared to defend themselves, it will discourage many attacks,” he said.
Samaila-Mera argued that lawful self-defence had become increasingly necessary in the face of persistent security challenges confronting rural settlements. He noted that many residents often find themselves helpless during attacks that result in killings, abductions and other forms of violence.
“It is not proper for people to remain helpless while criminals kill innocent citizens, abduct residents and violate women,” the emir said. “Communities should be prepared to defend themselves, their families and their property against any form of attack.”
The royal father lamented that the absence of organisation and defensive capacity in many villages had made them vulnerable targets for bandits. In several cases, he noted, residents and traditional leaders are forced to flee when attacks occur because they lack the means to resist.
Despite his call for communities to strengthen self-defence, the emir was quick to clarify that he was not advocating vigilantism or unlawful violence. He emphasised that security agencies remain central to the fight against insecurity, but argued that the scale of the threat requires greater community participation through legal and coordinated measures.
He also warned against ethnic profiling, reprisals and extrajudicial actions, describing revenge attacks as a major driver of recurring violence.
“I will never support the use of arms against innocent people or members of any ethnic group,” he said. “Most of the violence we witness today is linked to cycles of revenge. Communities should therefore avoid taking the law into their own hands.”
The emir further alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group had left the area, some armed bandits remained behind and continued to terrorise communities while maintaining contact with former collaborators.
He urged residents throughout the Argungu Emirate to remain vigilant, cooperate closely with security agencies and uphold moral values in their daily conduct as part of efforts to promote lasting peace and security in the area.
The remarks reflect growing concern among traditional institutions over the persistent threat posed by banditry and the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies in addressing rural insecurity.
