Insecurity: ‘Acquire Arms to Defend Yourselves,’ Emir of Argungu Tells Residents

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on residents of his emirate to legally acquire weapons to defend themselves against persistent attacks by bandits.

He made the appeal during a meeting with district heads, village heads, and ward heads held at his palace in Argungu on Thursday, amid rising insecurity and repeated attacks in parts of the region.

The Emir stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and closer cooperation with security agencies, urging communities to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious movements and activities of criminal groups.

According to him, communities should also consider raising collective funds to purchase legally approved weapons for self-defence, arguing that such preparedness could serve as a deterrent to attackers.

“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 further argued that Islam does not encourage passivity in the face of violence, insisting that people have a responsibility to protect their families and communities.

“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.

He, however, cautioned against taking the law into one’s hands or engaging in revenge attacks, warning that such actions could escalate cycles of violence and deepen insecurity. He emphasized that his call was strictly for lawful self-defence and not for ethnic violence or extrajudicial killings.

The Emir also lamented that many communities remain vulnerable due to lack of adequate means of protection, noting that fear often causes residents and traditional leaders to flee during attacks.

He urged continued cooperation with security agencies and warned against reprisals, stressing that every unlawful killing only fuels further cycles of violence.

His remarks come amid ongoing attacks and kidnappings in parts of northern Nigeria, which have intensified public concern over the capacity of security agencies to fully contain armed groups.