The call for Self-defence

Nigeria was thrown into pandemonium, anxiety and mourning when armed Fulani herdsmen renewed their incessant attacks on unarmed Nigerians mostly in the North Central zone states of Benue and Nassarawa that are dominated by farmers. The new year celebration was full of sorrow, panic and fear that the notorious group of cattle rustlers might strike and unleash terrors anytime after a lot have been slaughtered and hundreds are sent to the Internally Displaced Camps (IDCs) after the invading herdsmen had sacked their villages. Though, the President sent the Inspector General of Police to Benue State to arrest the terrible situation, believing that the presence of the police head would help to restore normalcy to the state and to defend the state against the aggression of the armed men. However, far-fetched is the desired peace in the state.

The federal government appears helpless. There were several calls to declare the armed men a terrorist group. Disappointedly, the government has deafened its ears to the national call. And when those charged with the responsibility of securing the country cannot rise to the occasion and stem the crisis, the people who bear the brunt will go the alternative. And that’s what Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (rtd) was saying.

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Political, social, traditional and religious leaders have commented on Gen. Danjuma’s unprecedented call for Nigerians to defend themselves in as much as the government cannot protect them and their properties. While some have commended his bravery to call the bluff of the military and accuse it of partiality, some including the presidency and northern governors have condemned his call saying such shouldn’t have come from an elder statesman like T. Y. Danjuma.

Truly, many an average Nigerian who has seen or heard the atrocities of the nomads will go further than Danjuma’s words. The people won’t want to be at the receiving end for long, they will have to resist every move and inhumane activity of the herdsmen. This will lead to more confrontations and killings. The government might never respond. His open criticism of the government can only accelerate the need for self-defence, which will still occur when the situation reaches the peak.

Nevertheless, self-defence will bring about the circulation of more arms and ammunition, the illegally acquired weapons will later be used for criminal activities increasing the insecurity challenges.

Timothy Faboade,

Gbongan, Osun State.