By; PETER NOSAKHARE, Kaduna
A Northern social cultural group called Arewa Defense League (ADL) has thrown its weight behind statement credited to Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina that he would facilitate the procurement of weapons for communities in Katsina to fight against bandits.
A statement dated December 29, 2021, signed by the National President of Arewa Defense League, Murtala Abubakar reads,
“Arewa Defense League, welcome with optimism the statement by the Katsina State Governor, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, to the effect that his government is going to assist communities acquire weapons to defend themselves against rural bandits and other criminal gangs.
The statement by the ADL leader added that, “Apparent failures of our military and other law enforcement agencies to protect citizens against bandits and other dangerous criminal has created an atmosphere where heavenly armed bandits operates freely in the Northwest and part of Niger State with impunity as they rapes, plunder, maim and kills citizens with reckless abandoned.”
According to the ADL, the fear of descent to anarchy had previously stalled the government from providing arms to vulnerable communities.
He further added that the supply of arms to civilians would help curb the incessant attacks by bandits
“Many leaders of thoughts, opinion moulders and associations have called on communities to take up arms and defend themselves. Some people expressed the fears that such calls if heeded could degenerate into anarchy.
“However, the latest initiative by Katsina State Government to assist communities arm themselves with some sort of official regulations will balance the use of terror by these criminals, thereby, reduce the frequent attacks on communities.”
