Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and others, have slammed the Federal Government over its refusal for citizens to own weapons or bear arms, stating that it is selfish of the government as it is obvious they cannot protect their citizens, News About Nigeria reports.
Some of the groups that are against the decision of the Federal Government are the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).
The call for allowing Nigerians to carry arms came after the failure of the government to apprehend those behind the incessant killings in Plateau State, with residents maintaining that if the government can’t protect them, then they should be allowed to protect themselves.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Lagbaja, disagreed with the decision, stating that it would only lead to anarchy in the country.
However, reacting to the COAS stand, Afenifere stated that Nigerians have the right to defend themselves.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, maintained in a statement on Monday that the security architecture of the country needs a total overhaul, adding that without security, no meaningful development can take place in any country as killing the people equals killing businesses.
He added that insecurity prevailed in the country because the bandits were aware that Nigerians were defenceless.
“If someone knows I am capable of defending myself, he will think twice before attacking me but if he sees me as defenceless, he will attack me. So, we do not agree with him,” he said.
Also speaking, the National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, noted that the security agencies in the country are not adequately protecting Nigerians who are being killed like chickens every day, adding that Nigerians should be allowed to carry at least some arms to defend themselves.
He maintained that some arms were allowed in the country before and should remain allowed, stating that refusing to bear arms means there is a conspiracy against Nigerians.
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on its part, noted that there was no other choice for the people than to carry arms because the government had failed to protect them.
Its secretary, Ibrahim Kufena, maintained that the people cannot continue to be killed daily with no end in sight.
