By Opeyemi Adelakun
An Islamic cleric has reportedly been seen carrying what appears to be a pump-action firearm while moving with members of his congregation in Sokoto State, amid heightened security concerns linked to banditry and kidnapping.
The incident was captured in a video shared on X by D English Alhaji Media.
In the footage, the cleric, dressed in Islamic attire, appears to carry a long firearm as he walks alongside members of his congregation.
However, the identity of the cleric, the exact location where the footage was recorded and the circumstances surrounding the sighting could not be independently verified.
The reported incident comes against the backdrop of renewed attacks by armed bandits in parts of Sokoto State, where communities have continued to face threats from criminal groups.
The apparent presence of a firearm in the hands of a religious leader has drawn attention to the growing security challenges confronting residents in affected communities.
It also raises questions about the extent to which persistent insecurity may be compelling some residents to seek personal protection, particularly in areas where communities remain vulnerable to attacks.
The footage, however, does not independently establish why the cleric was allegedly carrying the firearm, whether it was licensed or whether he was authorised to possess it.
No official statement from the Sokoto State Police Command or other security agencies was included in the report concerning the incident.
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