Residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State are calling on the Federal Government to grant them permission to carry arms for self-defense due to the escalating violence from suspected Lakurawa bandits.
The community, led by Adamu Kebbe, expressed frustration over the killings, kidnappings, and destruction of homes and farmlands, accusing both state and local governments of neglecting their responsibility to protect lives.
Residents want the Federal Government to allow them to carry sophisticated weapons to defend themselves against bandits.
The community is also urging the Federal Government to provide direct funding to local councils to strengthen community security outfits and enable rapid responses to attacks.
Sokoto State has become one of the epicenters of banditry in northern Nigeria, with groups like the Lakurawas and Bello Turji’s faction terrorizing villages across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe local government areas.
Despite acknowledging the growing threat, the state government’s interventions are seen as insufficient by locals.
“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,” said Haruna, a resident, emotionally.
Another resident added, “If we can’t get protection from the government, then we must be allowed to protect ourselves”.