The people of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto Stat have raised urgent calls to the Federal Government, asking for permission to bear sophisticated weapons to protect themselves against the deadly Lakurawa bandits wreaking havoc in their communities.
At a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Sokoto, residents, led by community leader Alhaji Adamu Kebbe, expressed deep frustration over what they described as government abandonment in the face of relentless attacks. According to them, the bandits have destroyed lives and properties with impunity, while security responses remain slow and ineffective.
“We can no longer sleep peacefully. Our villages are being wiped out. The government’s efforts are not enough,” said Haruna, a community member, his voice heavy with emotion.
They also appealed for direct federal funding to local governments, insisting that stronger local security outfits must be equipped and empowered to respond swiftly to these attacks.
Banditry Crisis Deepens in Sokoto
Sokoto State has become a hotspot for banditry in recent years, with groups like the Lakurawa and notorious gangs led by figures such as Bello Turji unleashing terror across LGAs including Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe. Despite government assurances, residents claim the security measures are grossly insufficient, leaving them vulnerable and desperate.
The calls for self-defence highlight the growing loss of trust in state security apparatus and signal a dangerous tipping point. Security experts warn that allowing communities to bear arms could be both a symptom of government failure and a possible catalyst for further violence if not carefully managed.
Voices from Sokoto: When Government Protection Fails
This plea is not new. Earlier in September 2025, youths from Shagari LGA also threatened to take up arms following repeated kidnappings and attacks. The insecurity has crippled farming and disrupted family life, fueling widespread fear and anger.
Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal has publicly urged the Federal Government to reinforce security efforts in Sokoto without delay. Meanwhile, the state continues to battle humanitarian crises, including a cholera outbreak among internally displaced persons – another grim consequence of the ongoing insecurity.
For now, the people of Kebbe say their survival depends on their right to defend themselves, warning that inaction could push them to take matters into their own hands.
“If the government won’t protect us, we must be allowed to protect ourselves,” another resident declared firmly.
