Kastina lawmaker gives reasons why he empowered constituent with guns

Hon. Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Total, representing Funtua Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, recently stirred the polity in a viral photos where he was caught empowering his constituent with guns and ammunition.

The lawmaker has, however, given reasons why he bought his people guns, saying the weapons were to fight banditry in communities he represents.

He said the provision of weapons, along with proper training, is a crucial step toward self-protection and a way to deter bandits from targeting villages in the future.

He said: “I was troubled when I heard residents use stones to confront bandits; that courage moved me, but it also broke me. It was then I decided to help them with arms.”

His move also signals a shift in how local communities approach security challenges in areas where government protection has often been limited.

Despite the focus on arming residents, Hon. Muhammad stressed the importance of responsible ownership and disciplined use of weapons.

The initiative is not intended to encourage vigilantism but to provide a last line of defence for communities under threat, officials have coordinated with local authorities to ensure that the effort complements broader security strategies in Katsina State, he said.

Hon. Muhammad’s actions reflect a growing concern among lawmakers about the safety of constituents in regions prone to banditry.

The story of villagers using stones against heavily armed attackers served as a stark reminder of the risks faced by communities, prompting this decisive intervention.

By combining practical support with structured training, he seeks to strengthen both the morale and the security of residents in Funtua Constituency.