Residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have appealed to the Federal Government to permit them to bear arms for self-defence, saying repeated bandit attacks have left communities vulnerable and government protection inadequate.

Speaking at a press briefing in Sokoto, community leaders led by Alhaji Adamu Kebbe described a deteriorating security situation that has caused deaths and widespread destruction of property.
They accused state and local authorities of abandoning them and said official responses to attacks have been slow and insufficient.

A resident, Haruna, told journalists: “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.”
Several speakers warned that unless security improves, people may feel compelled to take their safety into their own hands.

The delegation also urged the Federal Government to provide direct funding to local governments so they can better equip community security outfits and respond more quickly to raids.
“If we can’t get protection from the government, then we must be allowed to protect ourselves,” they said.

Authorities are yet to respond to the appeal.