The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has advised communities within his emirate to consider legally acquiring firearms for self-defence amid persistent bandit attacks across the region.
Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera gave the advice during a meeting with district, village, and ward heads held at his palace in Argungu on Thursday.
He stressed that while security agencies continue to play their role, communities must also remain vigilant, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen communication with security operatives to better respond to threats.
According to him, any form of self-defence must be done strictly within the law. He suggested that communities could pool resources to acquire approved weapons, noting that visible preparedness could serve as a deterrent to attackers.
The Emir maintained that Islam does not support passivity in the face of violence, adding that people have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities when under threat.
However, he cautioned strongly against taking the law into one’s hands, ethnic violence, or revenge attacks, warning that such actions only fuel further cycles of bloodshed.
He lamented that many rural communities have become easy targets because residents often lack the means to defend themselves, leading to panic whenever attacks occur.
The traditional ruler also referenced the security challenges linked to armed criminal groups operating in the region, urging residents to remain alert, avoid reprisals, and continue cooperating with authorities.
His remarks come amid ongoing banditry and kidnapping incidents in parts of northern Nigeria, which have continued to raise concerns about community safety and the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively.
