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Communities in Kebbe Local Government Area, Sokoto State, have appealed to the Federal Government for permission to arm themselves for self-defence, following repeated assaults attributed to the Lakurawa terror group.
Addressing journalists in Sokoto on Saturday, community leader Alhaji Adamu Kebbe said residents are at the end of their tether after a string of attacks that have left lives lost and property devastated.
He told reporters that fear now governs day-to-day life in the area, adding that many can no longer sleep safely in their homes.
Kebbe accused state and local authorities of neglect, insisting that official responses have been slow and insufficient to halt the violence. “Our towns are being eroded by these marauders and we feel abandoned,” he said, urging a more decisive security posture from government agencies.
The delegation also called on Abuja to channel funds directly to local councils so they can promptly strengthen local security arrangements. They argued that decentralised funding would enable quicker purchase of equipment and more effective local responses to attacks.
Residents described Sokoto as one of the states hardest hit by banditry in recent years, citing the activities of Lakurawa and the notorious gang linked to Bello Turji.
They said violent incidents have spread across Isa, Sabon Birni and Kebbe LGAs, leaving communities traumatised and insecure.
Kebbe and other local voices insisted that existing government measures have fallen short of what is required to restore confidence and safety. “We need protection now — not promises,” one resident told journalists.
The community warned that, should the government continue to delay meaningful action, they will have no option but to organise themselves to defend their people and property. The warning came with an appeal for urgent federal intervention to prevent further loss of life.
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