By Atoyebi Nike
Mounting insecurity in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State has pushed frustrated youths to threaten to take up arms to protect themselves from bandits.
In a statement signed by youth activist Bello Bala Shagari, grandson of former President Shehu Shagari, the group said communities have endured months of raids, kidnappings, and displacement while government efforts remain inadequate.
“The government has done little to protect us. We cannot sit idle while our people suffer. Self-defense may be our only option,” Shagari declared.
The youths urged both state and federal authorities to deploy more security personnel immediately, warning that failure to act could lead to lawlessness.
Analysts fear community self-defense could escalate violence, yet growing attacks across the North-West have deepened public calls for stronger local protection.
