Kebbe Residents urge the Federal Government to let them bear arms for self-defence amid rising bandit attacks in Sokoto State

Kebbe Residents in Sokoto State have urged the Federal Government to grant them permission to bear sophisticated weapons for self-defence as deadly attacks by suspected Lakurawa bandits intensify.

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At a press conference held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Sokoto, the residents voiced frustration over what they described as government failure to protect their communities from relentless assaults.

Led by community leader Alhaji Adamu Kebbe, the group accused both the state and local authorities of neglecting their plight, alleging that security responses had been slow and ineffective.

“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,” lamented a resident, Haruna, in an emotional plea.

The residents further called on the Federal Government to grant direct funding to local councils to enable them to equip security outfits and respond swiftly to attacks.

They argued that without adequate support, local vigilante groups remain ill-equipped to confront the heavily armed bandits.

Sokoto State has been one of the epicentres of banditry in northern Nigeria, with emerging groups such as the Lakurawas and the faction led by Bello Turji unleashing violence across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe Local Government Areas.

While the state government has acknowledged the growing threat, residents insist its measures have fallen short of what is needed to ensure safety.

Security analysts note that the Kebbe residents’ demand reflects a deepening loss of confidence in state protection mechanisms and highlights the urgency for decisive federal intervention.

“For years, we’ve watched our people die while waiting for help that never comes,” another resident declared. “If we can’t get protection from the government, then we must be allowed to protect ourselves.”

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As the attacks persist and frustration grows, the plea from Kebbe Residents underscores a grim reality citizens are increasingly willing to take their security into their own hands if authorities continue to delay action.