‘Arm us or watch us die’ — Sokoto residents cry out amid killings

Residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have appealed to the federal government to grant them the right to bear arms for self-defence, following renewed assaults by the Lakurawa bandit group.

Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, secretariat in Sokoto on Saturday, community leader Alhaji Adamu Haruna Kebbe said the string of attacks has left several people dead, many displaced and entire communities living in fear.

“We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. Our people are being killed almost daily, and the government has abandoned us to our fate,” Haruna said, accusing state authorities of failing to assess the worsening security situation or provide adequate support to local security volunteers.

The leaders also demanded direct federal allocations to local governments so communities can fund and equip local security operatives.

They argued that empowering communities would help them defend themselves and curb further bloodshed.
Sokoto has in recent months seen persistent banditry by groups such as the Lakurawas and factions linked to Bello Turji, with attacks reported across Kebbe, Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas. Residents say government responses have been insufficient.

Security analysts warn that calls for arming civilians reflect a deep erosion of trust in official protection.

“If the government cannot protect us, it should allow us to protect ourselves,” one community leader said.
The communities have warned they will no longer sit idly by while bandits destroy homes and livelihoods, urging the federal government to either step up protection or permit residents to take defensive measures.