“Give Us Right To Bear Arms In Self Defence Against Bandits”, Sokoto Community Demands

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the spate of insecurity bedeviling the Kebbe Local Government of Sokoto State, the people have demanded from the Federal Government the right to bear sophisticated weapons to wage war against the dreaded and deadly Lakurawa bandits.

They lamented

their pains and anguish at a press conference held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Sokoto. They  stated that they can no longer endure the incessant killings of people and destruction of property by the marauding bandits.

They said the bearing of arms is for self defense against the terrorists.

The residents led by Alhaji Adamu Kebbe, accused both the State and Local authorities of abandoning them to their fate and lamented that the government’s response to their plight has been slow and inadequate.

“We can’t sleep with our two eyes closed anymore. Our communities are being wiped out, and the government is doing little to protect us,” Haruna said emotionally.

They further urged the Federal Government to grant direct funding to Local Governments to enable them equip local security outfits and respond swiftly to attacks.

In recent times, Sokoto State has been one of the worst-hit by banditry with emerging terror groups such as the Lakurawas and the notorious gang led by Bello Turji unleashing deadly violence across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe LGAs.

Though the State Government has acknowledged the growing threat, residents say its measures have fallen far short of what is needed to guarantee safety.

Insecurity has been a major worry for Sokoto residents and the State Government have been working to combat the bandits since the time of former Governor Aminu Tambuwal.