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Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

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Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

ARGUNGU, Nigeria – Amid rising insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has issued a stark warning: Muslims must not remain passive while bandits and terrorists unleash violence on innocent communities. Speaking during an emergency security meeting with district, village, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, Kebbi State, the traditional ruler advised residents to lawfully acquire weapons for the protection of their families, farms, and communities. “It is not right for a Muslim to remain passive while criminals kill people, kidnap innocent citizens, and rape our women,” the Emir declared. “Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families, and your communities against any attack.”

The Emir expressed deep frustration over the vulnerability of rural communities, noting that many villages lack any form of organized defence. When bandits strike, he said, even village heads flee. “When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence,” he explained. According to the monarch, communities should explore collective efforts to raise funds for the purchase of legally approved weapons to strengthen local self-defence. He also urged residents to ensure that potential attackers know a community is capable of fighting back. “If you acquire such weapons legally, make sure the bandits are aware that your community possesses the means to defend itself. This alone can serve as a deterrent and discourage attacks,” he said.

Citing Islamic principles, the Emir argued that passivity in the face of aggression is not supported by the faith. His comments come as Lakurawa terrorists and armed bandits continue to terrorize parts of Kebbi State, killing scores and kidnapping women and children. He clarified, however, that his call is not an endorsement of vigilantism or unlawful actions. He stressed that lawful self-defence had become necessary because security agencies alone cannot shoulder the burden of the escalating crisis.

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While advocating for self-defence, the Emir issued a firm warning against retaliatory violence. “I will not support anyone who uses weapons to target other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful acts,” Mera said. He noted that many attacks in the region are retaliatory in nature, and he appealed to residents not to embark on revenge missions against innocent people. Unlawful killings, he warned, often trigger fresh cycles of violence.

The Emir’s address reflects a grim security reality in Kebbi State. In recent months, Kebbi State has witnessed several deadly incidents. In February 2026, over 30 villagers were killed by Lakurawa fighters in the Bui district of Arewa. In November 2025, about 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga. Multiple villages have been razed, and cattle rustling remains rampant. The Emir alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group have left the area, armed bandits linked to them remain active and continue to terrorize local communities through existing networks.

The Emir of Argungu is not alone in calling for citizens to take up arms. Across Nigeria, there is a growing debate over whether the state has failed in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property. The Middle Belt Forum has called on the federal government to liberalize access to basic self-defence weapons, citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution (right to life). Legal suits have been filed against the government over the refusal to grant firearm licences to citizens for self-defence. Additionally, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has renewed calls for state policing to address localized security threats.

To avoid misinterpretation, the Emir made several clarifications about what he is not calling for. He is not calling for vigilantism or mob justice. He is not supporting ethnic or religious violence. He opposes extrajudicial killings and revenge attacks. Instead, he urges residents to cooperate with security agencies and conduct their affairs with the fear of God. His message is one of lawful, defensive preparedness, not offensive aggression or lawlessness.

In his final advice to communities across the Argungu Emirate, the Emir urged residents to remain vigilant, share intelligence with security forces, and prioritize lawful conduct. “Do not rely on weapons alone,” he said. “Be alert, cooperate with authorities, and let the fear of God guide your actions.” The monarch acknowledged that security agencies alone cannot solve the crisis, but stressed that community efforts must remain within the bounds of the law.

Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

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Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

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October 19, 2026

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Emmanuel Uduaghan

Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

 

ASABA — The political landscape of Delta State and Nigeria at large was thrown into mourning on Monday following the demise of former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who passed away at the age of 71.

 

According to a statement released by his family, the former two-term governor died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, following a brief illness. His passing comes just three days shy of his 72nd birthday, as he was born on October 22, 1954.

 

The family’s statement, signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan, described the death as an “immeasurable loss.” They remembered the late politician as a “source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder” whose life and service touched countless people across Delta State and the nation.

 

A Legacy of Service

Dr. Uduaghan leaves behind a robust political legacy that spanned over a decade and a half in the public service of Delta State.

 

He began his political career as the Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of Governor James Ibori. His administrative acumen saw him elevated to the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) from 2003 to 2007, a role in which he played a pivotal part in the state’s governance structure.

 

In 2007, he successfully contested and won the governorship seat, succeeding his mentor, Ibori. He was re-elected for a second term, governing the oil-rich state until 2015. During his tenure, Uduaghan was widely known for his “Delta Beyond Oil” economic diversification agenda, an initiative aimed at shifting the state’s economic dependence from crude oil to agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development. He was also fondly referred to as the “Talk and Do” governor due to his penchant for completing projects.

 

Outpouring of Grief

Following the announcement, tributes have begun to pour in from across the country. Political associates, friends, and constituents have taken to social media and traditional media to express their shock and sorrow at the passing of the former governor.

 

Many recall his time in office as a period of relative peace and infrastructural growth in Delta State. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their patriarch.

 

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

 

Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

 

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Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn

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17 hours ago

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October 19, 2026

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Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn

Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn

At least three people have reportedly been killed in a renewed farmers-herders clash in Paikon-Kore community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with several others injured and properties destroyed.

The violence, which reportedly began on Saturday afternoon and continued until Sunday morning, October 18, left houses, shops and a motorcycle burnt, while goods in the affected shops were destroyed.

However, another report put the death toll at five, with eyewitnesses saying both farmers and herders were among those killed. The exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of reporting.

A resident, Danlami Ibrahim, said the latest confrontation began after cattle allegedly entered a groundnut farm containing crops that were yet to be harvested.

According to him, the farm owner confronted the herders, leading to an argument that escalated into violence. One of the herders allegedly attacked a farmer with a cutlass, severing one of his hands.

The incident reportedly triggered anger among residents and led to retaliatory attacks in which three herders were said to have been killed. Several other people sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals in Gwagwalada for treatment.

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The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gwagwalada Area Council chapter, Mohammed Usman, confirmed that three herders had died, although he said he was still gathering information about the number of injured people.

Usman said he had informed the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman, Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, about the incident.

Ikwa visited the affected community on Sunday alongside the Divisional Police Officer, SP Aaron H. Kaura, and other security personnel. He condemned the violence and called on residents to remain calm.

The council chairman said a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to address the crisis and identify ways to prevent further clashes. He urged farmers, herders, youths and community leaders to embrace dialogue and avoid retaliatory attacks.

Ikwa also advised farmers whose crops were damaged by cattle to report such incidents to security agencies rather than resort to self-help. He urged residents to cooperate with security personnel deployed to restore peace.

The FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, had yet to publicly respond to enquiries about the incident as of the time of the report.

The latest violence follows previous confrontations in Paikon-Kore and neighbouring communities, including a clash in August that reportedly left a farmer with a severed hand and three other people with machete injuries.

Recurring disputes over cattle grazing, destruction of crops, access to farmland and grazing routes have fuelled tensions between farming and herding communities across parts of the FCT.

Herders have also complained about the encroachment of designated grazing areas by farms, housing estates and other developments, while farmers have repeatedly raised concerns about livestock entering their fields and destroying crops.

The Federal Government has identified the FCT as one of the priority areas for efforts to address farmers-herders conflicts. The Ministry of Livestock Development has also announced plans to work with the FCT Administration and pastoralist groups to rehabilitate grazing reserves and improve livestock management.

Security analysts have called for stronger early-warning systems, impartial law enforcement, compensation for damaged crops and effective mediation to prevent local disputes from escalating into deadly violence.

The latest clash has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities around Abuja and the need for a lasting solution to recurring disputes between farmers and herders.

Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn

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Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute

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18 hours ago

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October 19, 2026

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Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute
Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni

Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute

Police in Ogun State have arrested a 56-year-old man, Madarikan Emehinola, following the death of his 40-year-old wife, Igbagbo Erobe, in a house fire in Igbo-Edu, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The incident, suspected to be a case of arson, reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm following a domestic dispute, according to an eyewitness quoted by PUNCH Metro.

The Ogun State Police Command said the incident was reported at the Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after information was received that a residential building had been set ablaze, resulting in the woman’s death.

The suspect was subsequently arrested as investigators began efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The eyewitness account suggests that the fire occurred after a disagreement between the couple. However, the precise sequence of events leading to the fire, the cause of the blaze and whether it was deliberately set have yet to be conclusively established by the police.

The deceased’s body has been deposited at a mortuary for a post-mortem examination to help determine the cause of death and provide further evidence for the investigation.

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The police said the case was being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a more detailed investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, assured residents that the matter would be investigated thoroughly and professionally in accordance with the law.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that allegations involving serious crimes receive appropriate investigative attention.

The police also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist investigators in establishing what happened.

Although the incident is being investigated as suspected arson, the available information has not conclusively established how the fire started or the motive behind it. The eyewitness account of a domestic dispute is an allegation that investigators will need to examine alongside other evidence.

The outcome of the post-mortem examination and further police inquiries is expected to provide additional information about the woman’s death.

The suspect’s arrest does not establish guilt. He remains entitled to due process as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire.

Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute

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