Shagari youths self-defence vow emerges after bandit raids displace families, raising fears of escalating violence in Sokoto communities
Shagari youths self-defence has become a rallying cry in Sokoto State after a wave of deadly bandit attacks forced hundreds from their homes.
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Villages across Shagari Local Government Area, including Tungar-Barke, Lungu, Aske-Dodo, Zango, and Ila, now lie deserted after coordinated raids left families fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The 30 Houses Estate in Shagari town has become an overcrowded shelter for the displaced, with officials warning of deepening food insecurity.
Community leaders, such as Hakimin ‘Yan Dundaji, Malam Muhammad Bello Magaji, and the Maigarin Tungar-Barke, Muhammadu Tudu, have raised the alarm over mounting economic hardship as farmlands, livestock, and livelihoods vanish overnight.
Frustration reached a breaking point this week when local youths, in an emergency online meeting, accused government of failing its constitutional duty.
Youth activist Bello Bala Shagari, grandson of former Nigerian President Shehu Shagari, declared that “self-defence may be our only remaining option,” reflecting a growing sentiment of despair.
While the youths stress they prefer peaceful solutions, they are openly discussing preparations for community defence. Their warning is clear: unless urgent action is taken, they will protect themselves.
Security experts caution that unsupervised self-defence initiatives could fuel vigilantism or provoke reprisals, yet residents insist they cannot remain passive while attacks persist.
For now, Shagari town remains tense. Families crowd into makeshift shelters, children go hungry, and youths say time is running out for authorities to act decisively.
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The power of their message is undeniable communities need hope, not abandonment.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
