This post has already been read at least 1140 times!

By Charles Edet

The escalating insecurity in Nigeria has led to numerous calls for self-defense. These incessant bloodshed has reached boiling point, resulting to Nigerians craving for self-defense in the face of unrelenting attacks. The continuous slaughter of innocent lives without regard for human life or emotional consideration has become a norm, that has left many wondering if the government truly cares about its citizens.

Insecurity in the country is rising on daily basis, the situation has reached its crescendo, now beckoning for citizens Self-Defense. Indeed extreme situation, requires desperate action to repel rampaging, blood thirsty herders, bandits and terrorists.

As Nigeria is under undeniable siege, self defence remains a prospective solution for our individual and collective protection and safety. Its said that, ‘injury to one is injury to all,’ the calls of very eminent nigerians matters. Indeed, the time is ripe for absolute self defence suggests that the boiling pot, has risen above 100 degrees farengheight, a high temperature level that is injurious to touch with bare hands, without a towel pad, the pot cannot be removed from a gas burner.

General TY Danjuma, a renowned statesman from Taraba State, an experienced retired general, a one time chief of army staff, joined the growing list of Nigerians advocating for self-defense. Former Senate President ,David Mark, a retired soldier, with extensive experience, called on Benue people to defend themselves against the relentless attacks of herders. The people of Benue State have been subjected to unimaginable brutality, with communities like Gwer West, Logo, Ukum and Ngwela with 200 people killed and burnt as they were being attacked, resulting in the loss of countless lives.

In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also echoed the call for self-defense, citing the state’s inability to protect its citizens from the marauding herdsmen. Other notable Nigerians, including politicians, security experts, and community leaders, have also advocated for arming citizens for self-defense.

Given the dire situation, it is crucial and imperative that a Bill for citizens self- defence comes alive. The current security architecture has failed to protect citizens, and it’s time for a new approach. The 10th National Assembly owes Nigerians this life-preserving initiative to curb the advancement of threats and occupational war of these dangerous beings.

It is unfortunate, that the entire region is under siege. The Benue State situation is most dicey, because its security outfit is not as functional and proactive as its counterpart in Oyo and other south west geopolitical states. Security is everyones business, the more reason why the National Assembly should act urgently, to enable Nigerians withstand these anti people elements.

The Benue State security outfit, formed by the former governor, to deal with strangers occupying forests, have seemingly failed to deliver. It’s crucial to assess the effectiveness of these measures and consider new approach to address the prevailing situations across the nuke and crannies of Nigeria.

Community-Led solutions is strategic to strengthening and arming vigilantes so that they can tackle unwelcome intruders and apprehending them. The success recorded by Omotekun in Oyo and Agunechemba in Anambra highlights this fact.

While summits, conferences, and workshops have been held to address insecurity, they often exclude community leaders and youths who are best placed to provide tactical and strategic insights. Any future awareness to sensitise the people should involve these category of stakeholders to develop effective solutions.

Therefore, the easy way forward is for the National Assembly to take bold action by initiating the Bill for self-defense. It is an outright move to enhance resistance against herdsmen, bandits, insurgents, and terrorists. The time is ripe for the government to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens.
The Self-Defense Bill, that will empower citizens with arms is a life line panacea to the current security challenges, and a necessary step in the right direction. Citizens have the right to protect themselves and their communities. The National Assembly must recognize this and take concrete steps to enhance peace in Nigeria. This will be an accelerator factor tò normalise the hightening choatic security architecture in Nigeria. As it is an eminent danger that those not exempt anybody.

Nothing in this matter should be treated with kids gloves, because insecurity in Nigeria has reached a critical point, and it’s time for drastic action.

The 10th National Assembly, indeed holds the ace card that will deliver the country and save countless lives, usher confidence amongst the citizens and give all absolute sense of security. The National Assembly, bears this heavy yoke, to liberate Nigerians from terrorists and kidnappers on their neck, a responsibility they need to act on, and it’s time for them to deliver now. The Bill when passed, will benefit all inclusive of all the members of national assembly because they are equally targets of these soulless humans.
The government tend to bear the burden of insecurity alone, good enough those in authority are aware that “nobody travels fast with heavy loads on”, according to wisdom family, Enugu.

Insecurity is not a taboo, but security agencies have turned it to be a mysterious phenomenon, giving wrong impression that insurgents and their likes are undefeatable.

What gives the attackers the impetus is the sabotage by unpatriotic security oppreatives and ill- screened recruited bandits into security agencies in the name of amnesty. These are non Nigerians. Our security men have been caught supplying arms to terrorists, and as well grant them intelligence reports to attack communities with kidnappers ambushing and adopting victims.
To end this criminal exploitation of unarmed, innocent Nigerians, there is need for urgent legislative action for the people to protect themselves, their families, and communities to ease all the spontaneous attacks and hostage taking. The time is ripe for the Bill on self-defense, to enhance security and save lives.

The National Assembly has a critical role in addressing insecurity, by initiating a Bill on self-defense, which would demonstrate their commitment to citizens safety, not by always summoning security chiefs to brief them on their efforts. The agency to issue licences and guns should be enshrined in the Bill, which is the police. The Self-Defense Bill, If moved would provide relief to individuals, and communities plagued by terror agents.

Although, empowering
citizens to be armed for self-defense requires careful consideration, however, given the current situation, it’s an option worth exploring. It should therefore, be imperative, to legalise empowering citizens for their Self-Defense, which is a practical step that will enhance security and provide a sense of safety.

This is a call to action, that the 10th National Assembly ought to prioritize and take immediate action. Nigerians today, with what is happening around the country deserve personal protection.
There Will be no iota of doubt, if this initiative for Bill on self-defense surfaces in both the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives towards addressing the spate of insecurity crisis.

NASS members should view this sensitive call for self-defense, as it touches every Nigerian is gaining momentum, with several notable figures joining the conversation.
Amongst notable Nigerians Calling for Self-Defense, are, General TY Danjuma, a renowned statesman from Taraba State, who believes Nigerians should arm themselves to defend against attacks. Senator David Mark, former Senate President and retired soldier, advocates for self-defense in Benue State following brutal attacks.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, equally echoed the call for self-defense, citing the state’s inability to protect its citizens from marauding herdsmen, bandits and Boko Haram terrorist.

The DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, whom it was widely published suggested allowing communities to bear arms for self-defense, citing an incident in Azare, Bauchi State, where locals defeated Boko Haram terrorists.
Also, Mohammed Sani, a DSS Chief urged Nigerians to take proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their communities against growing security threats.

The recent Zamfara government negotiations with bandits is highly condemned.

“Holding meetings and negotiating with murderers while its people bleed, is choosing cowardice over justice. The greatest insult to the dead is a handshake with their killers” wrote a security Analyst, Mr Clouds.

The above quote highlights the frustration and anger many Nigerians feel towards the government’s handling of insecurity. It suggests that the government’s inaction in the face of violence is a form of cowardice and that compromising with or forgiving the perpetrators of violence is a betrayal of the victims and the survived. These inhuman violators of innocent lives, kill children, women and men, with the scheme of annihilating an entire community and occupy to become citizens.
A former Benue House of Representatives member, Mark Gbillah frowned over Mr Presidents response to the massacre of 200 persons in Benue state.

While fielding questions from journalists on Arise TV on Monday, Gbillah was displeased that the President having known the gravity of destruction, shouldn’t have asked the people to seek harmonious relationship and reconciliation with the attackers.
This did not go down well with the ex-lawmaker, who had an interview with Arise Tv decrying the idea of convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among warring parties amid the unending killings in the state by suspected herdsmen.

He posited that Mr. President, seem not to be fed with the right information, claiming that, the President, was misinformed and ill advised. His argument that the actions of the attackers was not a reprisal attack, called for correction because the president as commander in chief is privileged to have first hand intelligence report before anyone else in Nigeria, he may be speaking from the brief he had, therefore, should be exonerated from blame. The fact that the people are under siege, is indisputable.

Therefore, Mr President asking the governor to convene reconciliation meetings and dialog among… warring parties as emphasised by Bayo Onanuga and urging the people to seek harmonious existence between farmers, herders and communities, is government responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence.

“If you say, seek harmonious relationship and have reconciliation meetings,” to Hon. Gbillbah the statement was disingenuous to the situation but he failed to suggest any solution. He was emotional and expressed his pains. The analysis of his passionate outburst an be interpreted as an advocacy for self-defense.

Also a popular Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Okechukwu Pascal, better known as Chief Priest, joined the call for self-defense following the tragic massacre in Benue State. He reportedly said in pidgin English, “Benue people sharpen your sword. No gree for anybody to kpai (kill) you. To defend yourselves no be crime!!!.”

What is the legislative arm (NASS), the Executive and Security Agencies waiting for? May be, when defenceless Nigerian communities are wiped out, then they will wake up from their slumber, when it will be too late.

It has been proven that these are terrorists with occupational motives, in the business of sacking villages to occupy.

In the context of this feature, the above s quote Mr. Clouds underscores the desperation and urgency of the situation. Many Nigerians are calling for self-defense due to the perceived failure of past governments for not taking into cognizance the magnitude of the true situations. No wonder its rated as a circus adventure by security agencies, who are responsible for the protection of citizens. In a recent publication, over Benue killings, the Chief of Army Staff, recognised the enormity of the recent Benue and Plateaue state killings.

Government priority should be justice and protection of its people, rather than appeasement or compromise with those responsible for killings and violence.
It is somewhat suprising that in the face of these constant carnage, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, opposed and rejected the calls for self-defense, rather, he advocates for community policing and a structured security approach.

Former Defence Minister, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi, who was criticized for asking Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits, was labelled for his comments as being insensitive and irresponsible, today he is vindicated.

It is pertinent to address the notion that the president visiting states to commiserate with victims of terror will end attacks are misleading themselves. Its true that after his visit to Katsina, bandits struck days after, the formula to tackle insecurity is to appeal to the president to get the Federal government to sponsor an urgent Executive Bill for immediate passage and we shall all acknowledge the wisdom in this feature.

Finally, Nigerians are overwhelmed, but there is no quiting because there is no greater reward than fighting in defence of the family, the people and the community at large and building a legacy of defending the unarmed senior citizens, women, children and youths.

*Self-Defense: Solution To Insecurity.
A Call To Action By NASS As Extreme Situation, Demands Desperate Action

By Charles Edet

The escalating insecurity in Nigeria has led to numerous calls for self-defense. These incessant bloodshed has reached boiling point, resulting to Nigerians craving for self-defense in the face of unrelenting attacks. The continuous slaughter of innocent lives without regard for human life or emotional consideration has become a norm, that has left many wondering if the government truly cares about its citizens.

Insecurity in the country is rising on daily basis, the situation has reached its crescendo, now beckoning for citizens Self-Defense. Indeed extreme situation, requires desperate action to repel rampaging, blood thirsty herders, bandits and terrorists.

As Nigeria is under undeniable siege, self defence remains a prospective solution for our individual and collective protection and safety. Its said that, ‘injury to one is injury to all,’ the calls of very eminent nigerians matters. Indeed, the time is ripe for absolute self defence suggests that the boiling pot, has risen above 100 degrees farengheight, a high temperature level that is injurious to touch with bare hands, without a towel pad, the pot cannot be removed from a gas burner.

General TY Danjuma, a renowned statesman from Taraba State, an experienced retired general, a one time chief of army staff, joined the growing list of Nigerians advocating for self-defense. Former Senate President ,David Mark, a retired soldier, with extensive experience, called on Benue people to defend themselves against the relentless attacks of herders. The people of Benue State have been subjected to unimaginable brutality, with communities like Gwer West, Logo, Ukum and Ngwela with 200 people killed and burnt as they were being attacked, resulting in the loss of countless lives.

In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also echoed the call for self-defense, citing the state’s inability to protect its citizens from the marauding herdsmen. Other notable Nigerians, including politicians, security experts, and community leaders, have also advocated for arming citizens for self-defense.

Given the dire situation, it is crucial and imperative that a Bill for citizens self- defence comes alive. The current security architecture has failed to protect citizens, and it’s time for a new approach. The 10th National Assembly owes Nigerians this life-preserving initiative to curb the advancement of threats and occupational war of these dangerous beings.

It is unfortunate, that the entire region is under siege. The Benue State situation is most dicey, because its security outfit is not as functional and proactive as its counterpart in Oyo and other south west geopolitical states. Security is everyones business, the more reason why the National Assembly should act urgently, to enable Nigerians withstand these anti people elements.

The Benue State security outfit, formed by the former governor, to deal with strangers occupying forests, have seemingly failed to deliver. It’s crucial to assess the effectiveness of these measures and consider new approach to address the prevailing situations across the nuke and crannies of Nigeria.

Community-Led solutions is strategic to strengthening and arming vigilantes so that they can tackle unwelcome intruders and apprehending them. The success recorded by Omotekun in Oyo and Agunechemba in Anambra highlights this fact.

While summits, conferences, and workshops have been held to address insecurity, they often exclude community leaders and youths who are best placed to provide tactical and strategic insights. Any future awareness to sensitise the people should involve these category of stakeholders to develop effective solutions.

Therefore, the easy way forward is for the National Assembly to take bold action by initiating the Bill for self-defense. It is an outright move to enhance resistance against herdsmen, bandits, insurgents, and terrorists. The time is ripe for the government to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens.
The Self-Defense Bill, that will empower citizens with arms is a life line panacea to the current security challenges, and a necessary step in the right direction. Citizens have the right to protect themselves and their communities. The National Assembly must recognize this and take concrete steps to enhance peace in Nigeria. This will be an accelerator factor tò normalise the hightening choatic security architecture in Nigeria. As it is an eminent danger that those not exempt anybody.

Nothing in this matter should be treated with kids gloves, because insecurity in Nigeria has reached a critical point, and it’s time for drastic action.

The 10th National Assembly, indeed holds the ace card that will deliver the country and save countless lives, usher confidence amongst the citizens and give all absolute sense of security. The National Assembly, bears this heavy yoke, to liberate Nigerians from terrorists and kidnappers on their neck, a responsibility they need to act on, and it’s time for them to deliver now. The Bill when passed, will benefit all inclusive of all the members of national assembly because they are equally targets of these soulless humans.
The government tend to bear the burden of insecurity alone, good enough those in authority are aware that “nobody travels fast with heavy loads on”, according to wisdom family, Enugu.

Insecurity is not a taboo, but security agencies have turned it to be a mysterious phenomenon, giving wrong impression that insurgents and their likes are undefeatable.

What gives the attackers the impetus is the sabotage by unpatriotic security oppreatives and ill- screened recruited bandits into security agencies in the name of amnesty. These are non Nigerians. Our security men have been caught supplying arms to terrorists, and as well grant them intelligence reports to attack communities with kidnappers ambushing and adopting victims.
To end this criminal exploitation of unarmed, innocent Nigerians, there is need for urgent legislative action for the people to protect themselves, their families, and communities to ease all the spontaneous attacks and hostage taking. The time is ripe for the Bill on self-defense, to enhance security and save lives.

The National Assembly has a critical role in addressing insecurity, by initiating a Bill on self-defense, which would demonstrate their commitment to citizens safety, not by always summoning security chiefs to brief them on their efforts. The agency to issue licences and guns should be enshrined in the Bill, which is the police. The Self-Defense Bill, If moved would provide relief to individuals, and communities plagued by terror agents.

Although, empowering
citizens to be armed for self-defense requires careful consideration, however, given the current situation, it’s an option worth exploring. It should therefore, be imperative, to legalise empowering citizens for their Self-Defense, which is a practical step that will enhance security and provide a sense of safety.

This is a call to action, that the 10th National Assembly ought to prioritize and take immediate action. Nigerians today, with what is happening around the country deserve personal protection.
There Will be no iota of doubt, if this initiative for Bill on self-defense surfaces in both the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives towards addressing the spate of insecurity crisis.

NASS members should view this sensitive call for self-defense, as it touches every Nigerian is gaining momentum, with several notable figures joining the conversation.
Amongst notable Nigerians Calling for Self-Defense, are, General TY Danjuma, a renowned statesman from Taraba State, who believes Nigerians should arm themselves to defend against attacks. Senator David Mark, former Senate President and retired soldier, advocates for self-defense in Benue State following brutal attacks.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, equally echoed the call for self-defense, citing the state’s inability to protect its citizens from marauding herdsmen, bandits and Boko Haram terrorist.

The DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, whom it was widely published suggested allowing communities to bear arms for self-defense, citing an incident in Azare, Bauchi State, where locals defeated Boko Haram terrorists.
Also, Mohammed Sani, a DSS Chief urged Nigerians to take proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their communities against growing security threats.

The recent Zamfara government negotiations with bandits is highly condemned.

“Holding meetings and negotiating with murderers while its people bleed, is choosing cowardice over justice. The greatest insult to the dead is a handshake with their killers” wrote a security Analyst, Mr Clouds.

The above quote highlights the frustration and anger many Nigerians feel towards the government’s handling of insecurity. It suggests that the government’s inaction in the face of violence is a form of cowardice and that compromising with or forgiving the perpetrators of violence is a betrayal of the victims and the survived. These inhuman violators of innocent lives, kill children, women and men, with the scheme of annihilating an entire community and occupy to become citizens.
A former Benue House of Representatives member, Mark Gbillah frowned over Mr Presidents response to the massacre of 200 persons in Benue state.

While fielding questions from journalists on Arise TV on Monday, Gbillah was displeased that the President having known the gravity of destruction, shouldn’t have asked the people to seek harmonious relationship and reconciliation with the attackers.
This did not go down well with the ex-lawmaker, who had an interview with Arise Tv decrying the idea of convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among warring parties amid the unending killings in the state by suspected herdsmen.

He posited that Mr. President, seem not to be fed with the right information, claiming that, the President, was misinformed and ill advised. His argument that the actions of the attackers was not a reprisal attack, called for correction because the president as commander in chief is privileged to have first hand intelligence report before anyone else in Nigeria, he may be speaking from the brief he had, therefore, should be exonerated from blame. The fact that the people are under siege, is indisputable.

Therefore, Mr President asking the governor to convene reconciliation meetings and dialog among… warring parties as emphasised by Bayo Onanuga and urging the people to seek harmonious existence between farmers, herders and communities, is government responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence.

“If you say, seek harmonious relationship and have reconciliation meetings,” to Hon. Gbillbah the statement was disingenuous to the situation but he failed to suggest any solution. He was emotional and expressed his pains. The analysis of his passionate outburst an be interpreted as an advocacy for self-defense.

Also a popular Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Okechukwu Pascal, better known as Chief Priest, joined the call for self-defense following the tragic massacre in Benue State. He reportedly said in pidgin English, “Benue people sharpen your sword. No gree for anybody to kpai (kill) you. To defend yourselves no be crime!!!.”

What is the legislative arm (NASS), the Executive and Security Agencies waiting for? May be, when defenceless Nigerian communities are wiped out, then they will wake up from their slumber, when it will be too late.

It has been proven that these are terrorists with occupational motives, in the business of sacking villages to occupy.

In the context of this feature, the above s quote Mr. Clouds underscores the desperation and urgency of the situation. Many Nigerians are calling for self-defense due to the perceived failure of past governments for not taking into cognizance the magnitude of the true situations. No wonder its rated as a circus adventure by security agencies, who are responsible for the protection of citizens. In a recent publication, over Benue killings, the Chief of Army Staff, recognised the enormity of the recent Benue and Plateaue state killings.

Government priority should be justice and protection of its people, rather than appeasement or compromise with those responsible for killings and violence.
It is somewhat suprising that in the face of these constant carnage, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, opposed and rejected the calls for self-defense, rather, he advocates for community policing and a structured security approach.

Former Defence Minister, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi, who was criticized for asking Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits, was labelled for his comments as being insensitive and irresponsible, today he is vindicated.

It is pertinent to address the notion that the president visiting states to commiserate with victims of terror will end attacks are misleading themselves. Its true that after his visit to Katsina, bandits struck days after, the formula to tackle insecurity is to appeal to the president to get the Federal government to sponsor an urgent Executive Bill for immediate passage and we shall all acknowledge the wisdom in this feature.

Finally, Nigerians are overwhelmed, but there is no quiting because there is no greater reward than fighting in defence of the family, the people and the community at large and building a legacy of defending the unarmed senior citizens, women, children and youths.

* Charles Edet Esq, PhD writes from Abuja, Nigeria

This post has already been read at least 1140 times!