A member of the House of Representatives representing Bungudu/Maru Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu, popularly known as Zannan Bungudu, has urged residents of his constituency to consider acquiring weapons to defend themselves against recurring bandit attacks.
The lawmaker made the remarks during an interview on Sunday while reacting to the recent abduction of the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, Nura Abdullahi, and the killing of four members of his security detail.
According to Zubairu, communities should contribute funds to purchase whatever legal means of protection they can access, arguing that residents must take steps to safeguard themselves in the face of persistent insecurity.
He acknowledged that his comments may conflict with existing laws governing firearm possession but maintained that the continuous loss of innocent lives has placed affected communities in a difficult situation.
The lawmaker said that while self-defence may raise legal concerns, protecting lives should remain a priority as residents continue to face attacks by armed bandits.
Responding to questions about whether his remarks reflected a lack of confidence in the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Zubairu said both governments were making efforts to address insecurity.
However, he argued that government action alone may not be enough, insisting that local communities should also play an active role in protecting themselves.
According to him, bandits are fewer in number than the residents they attack, but their access to sophisticated weapons gives them a significant advantage.
He further suggested that any weapons acquired for community protection could be registered with the appropriate security authorities to ensure accountability and proper monitoring.
The lawmaker’s comments have sparked debate, with some people expressing sympathy for communities facing constant attacks, while others warned that encouraging civilians to arm themselves could create additional security challenges.
Critics argue that widespread civilian access to weapons could increase the risk of lawlessness, accidental killings, mob justice and the misuse of firearms to settle personal disputes.
They maintain that strengthening security agencies, improving intelligence gathering and providing adequate resources for law enforcement remain more sustainable solutions to tackling banditry and restoring peace in affected communities.
