Residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have appealed to the Federal Government to allow them to bear weapons for self-defence.
The plea followed incessant attacks on the community by suspected members of Lakurawa terror group.
The residents, while briefing newsmen on Saturday in Sokoto, through a community leader, Alhaji Adamu Kebbe, said they can no longer endure the incessant killings and destruction of property by the marauding bandits.
The community accused local and state authorities of abandoning them to their fate, saying that the government’s response to their plight has been slow and inadequate to arrest the situation.
Kebbe explained that due to the insecurity in the area, they cannot sleep with their two eyes closed anymore, lamenting that their communities are being wiped out, and the government is doing little to protect them.
The residents also urged the Federal Government to grant direct funding to local governments to enable them equip local security outfits and respond swiftly to attacks.
They stressed that Sokoto State has been one of the worst-hit by banditry in recent years, with emerging terror groups such as the Lakurawa and the notorious gang led by Bello Turji unleashing deadly violence across Isa, Sabon Birni and Kebbe LGAs.
Residents said that the measures put in place by the government have fallen far short of what is needed to guarantee safety.
The people of Kebbe declared that they are left with no choice but to defend themselves if the government fails to act.
