Mr. Aminu Masari had suggested that citizens should arm themselves and get ready to face the bandits. The Katsina State governor made the remark while talking to journalist at the Muhammadu Buhari NUJ office in the state.
The suggestion of the governor came at a time the northwestern states including Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna face a rise in the attacks of the bandits. The criminals kidnap people for ransom, ransack villages and steal valuables including food; and most seriously kill people.
The insecurity in the region and entire northern zone has defied local solutions. Hence, the state governor advised that the residents and citizens of the state should get themselves armed so as to resist the bandits.
Masari, who is also a Muslim from north, argued that it would be wrong for bad people (bandits) to hold weapons while good people (Katsina citizens). He urged the people to defend their family and members.
One thing that is not clear right now is that should all Muslims and non Muslims arm themselves as postulated by Aminu Masari? What exactly is the position of Islam when it comes to defending oneself against bandits and criminals?
Mr. Masari didn’t cite any part of Quran to back up his claim. But he can’t be regarded as ignorant when it comes to Islam and its tenets. And the governor must be aware of the dangers associated with proliferation of arms and ammunition.
There have been reactions to the statement made by the state governor. It had caused a widespread of arguments most especially in the northern part of the country. The Northern Elders Forum has talked. But the same question persists.
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