Emir Of Argungu Sparks Debate With Call For Self-Defence Weapons Amid Security Fears

The traditional ruler also urged residents to remain alert and take proactive steps to safeguard their communities from terrorists and criminal elements.

Mera 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 together to acquire legally licensed weapons for self-defence purposes.

“If these weapons are acquired legally, let the bandits know your community is capable of defending itself. That alone can discourage them from launching attacks,” he said.

The Emir stressed that Islam does not support helplessness in the face of violence and criminality.

“It is unacceptable for Muslims to sit back while criminals kill, abduct innocent people, and assault our women. Communities must be prepared to defend themselves, their families, and their property against attacks,” he stated.

Mera lamented that many villages have become easy targets because they lack adequate means of self-protection.

“When bandits strike, people flee for safety, including community leaders. This happens because many communities have no effective means of defending themselves,” he said.

He clarified, however, that his remarks should not be interpreted as encouraging vigilantism or unlawful violence.

The Emir noted that the security challenges confronting the country have become too overwhelming for security agencies to tackle alone.

Warns Against Retaliation and Ethnic Violence

Mera cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands or targeting innocent people in revenge attacks.

He said he would never support anyone using weapons to attack other ethnic groups or engage in extrajudicial killings.

According to him, many violent incidents are fueled by reprisals, and communities must resist the temptation to retaliate against innocent individuals.

“Every unlawful killing can trigger another cycle of revenge and further insecurity,” he warned.

The Emir also alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group had left the area, some armed bandits remained behind and continued to terrorise local communities.

He claimed the criminals still maintain connections with their former associates.

Mera urged residents across the Argungu Emirate to stay vigilant, cooperate closely with security agencies, and remain guided by the fear of God in their daily activities.