Terrorism: Acquire Weapons, Defend Yourselves, Emir Appeals To His Subjects

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Apparently frustrated by the growing level of insecurity in the country, and the vulnerability of his people, the Emir of Argungu in Kebbi state, Alhaji Mohammad Samaila Mera, has advised his subjects to separately, and collectively acquire firearms to defend themselves.

The source reports that many parts of Kebbi state have, of recent, been the epicentre of violent attacks and other criminal activities perpetrated by hordes of suspected terrorists groups, including the very dangerous Lukarawa militia.

Most communities have been subjected to consistent raids, pillaging, killings, abduction and wanton destruction of homes and properties by the insurgents who have found Kebbi State a haven, being a border State.

The Argungu Monarch who spoke during a routine meeting with District Village Heads, as well as some major traditional title holders at his Palace, enjoined the people to, as a matter of urgent importance, consider pulling resources together for the purpose of acquiring some legally permitted weapons for the purpose of self-defence.

While appealing for vigilance and proactiveness, the royal father emphasized that the time has come for the people to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in protecting themselves against incessant violent attacks, killings ,and Kidnaping by suspected terrorist elements.

He expressed the confidence and optimism that such proactive measures by the people will go a long way in deterring and mitigating the activities of the insurgents.

The Emir noted that his message is rooted in the Islamic teachings, that emphasizes that it is not ideal for faithful to remain lukewarm in the face of obvious threat to their existence.

“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 yourself, your family, and your communities against any attack”, Emir Mera admonished.

However, he stressed that his call should not be misconstrued as a licence for people to take laws into their hands and or  resort to acts of gangsterism and terrorism.

Rather, he emphasized that his message should be seen from the perspective of self-defence, noting that the security challenges have become too intense and overwhelming as to demand the application of  some extra-ordinary measures.

“You see, each time bandits attack people , including village heads and other leaders will start running , simply because communities don’t have any mechanisms for effective response,and self-defence”, he added.

The Royal father said it is completely unacceptable for communities to continue to lose their people without any form of resistance.

This was as he warned against leveraging his call to promote ethnic violence and extrajudicial killings.

Particularly,bthe Emir cautioned against carrying out reprisal attacks on innocent people or communities, insisting that such unlawful measures have proven to a major harbinger of vicious attacks and killings.

According to him, even though the Lakurawa terrorist group has left the area, they have left behind several brain washed and armed bandits who have  continued to terrorize communities.