Emir Of Argungu Urges Residents To Acquire Legal Weapons For Self-Defence

The Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Samaila Mera, has urged communities in his emirate to legally acquire weapons to protect themselves against persistent attacks by bandits.

Naija News reports that the monarch also called on residents to remain vigilant and take proactive measures against terrorists and other criminal elements.

He spoke during a meeting with district heads, village heads and ward heads at his palace in Argungu.

The Emir said communities should consider raising funds collectively to purchase legally approved weapons for self-defence.

“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,” he said.

He said Islam does not encourage people to remain helpless 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,” the Emir stated.

The royal father lamented that many communities had become vulnerable because they lacked the means to defend themselves.

“When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence,” he said.

Mera clarified that he was not encouraging residents to take the law into their own hands or engage in terrorism.

According to him, the worsening security situation has become too overwhelming for security agencies to handle alone.

Emir Warns Against Revenge Attacks

The monarch warned against ethnic violence and extrajudicial killings. He said he would not support anyone carrying arms to attack other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful killings.

He added that many attacks were reprisals and urged communities not to carry out revenge attacks against innocent people.

The Emir warned that every unlawful killing could trigger another cycle of revenge.

The Emir said that although many members of the Lakurawa group had left the area, they allegedly left behind armed bandits who continue to terrorise communities.

Mera said the bandits also maintain links with their former collaborators.

He urged communities across Argungu Emirate to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and uphold the fear of God in all their dealings.