Amidst escalating security concerns across Nigeria, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has issued a strong caution against the growing calls for self-defence, warning that such actions could ignite widespread anarchy in the country.
Governor Namadi’s remarks were made in response to a controversial statement by retired General Theophilus Danjuma. Danjuma, a former Minister of Defence, had recently urged Nigerians to take up arms in self-defence against armed assailants, particularly in areas like Benue and Plateau States, where attacks by bandits and armed groups have been rampant.
Danjuma, speaking at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, on Saturday, said, “It is now very clear that the government alone cannot protect us. We must stand up and defend ourselves, our families, and our lands before these criminals overrun the entire country.”
In response, Governor Namadi expressed concern over the potential consequences of such calls, describing them as a “dangerous path.” He further stated, “If you say citizens should be allowed to defend themselves, you’re causing anarchy. I don’t think we’ve reached that level yet.”
Stronger Security Measures, Not Self-Defence
Governor Namadi emphasized that the government must continue to enhance the nation’s security infrastructure rather than encouraging citizens to take matters into their own hands. He warned that endorsing self-defence could escalate conflicts, particularly between farmers and herders, which have already led to decades of violent clashes.
While acknowledging Danjuma’s standing as a seasoned security expert, Governor Namadi argued that self-defence would only complicate the situation further. “The government is doing its best in terms of security arrangements,” he added, stressing that creating divisions between communities could only exacerbate Nigeria’s already volatile security situation.
He also pointed to his own administration’s efforts to manage the long-standing farmer-herder conflict in Jigawa State. “When we came in, we decided to employ a lot of strategies and tactics, including dialogue,” he said. By engaging with traditional leaders, farmers, and herders, his administration had helped reduce violence and fostered peaceful coexistence in the region.
Farmer-Herder Clashes and Local Security Efforts
Governor Namadi further clarified that Jigawa State, unlike other regions, has not been severely affected by insurgencies or mass killings attributed to banditry. Instead, the state’s primary challenge has been managing disputes between farmers and herders. Through effective conflict resolution measures, his government has managed to reduce violence and restore peace.
“We thank God that Jigawa State is not affected by insurgency or insecurity for now,” Governor Namadi remarked, highlighting his administration’s success in managing localised conflicts.
Despite Nigeria’s worsening security situation, particularly in other states, Namadi reiterated that self-defence remains an untenable solution. “The issue of asking people to defend themselves — I think we have not reached that level yet,” he said.
Experts Warn Against Encouraging Armed Civilian Defence
Bulama Bukarti, a prominent conflict expert focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, echoed Governor Namadi’s sentiments, stating that calls for self-defence could worsen Nigeria’s security crisis. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Bukarti argued, “Self-defence is the wrong thing to start; it is the wrong call.”
Bukarti warned that the already widespread proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country would only increase if civilians were encouraged to arm themselves. “If you have calls for self-defence, what that means is that there will be more arms in the hands of ordinary Nigerians,” he cautioned. “More people will start to kill people without justice.”
Violence in Benue and Plateau States Continues
General Danjuma’s remarks came in the wake of violent attacks in both Benue and Plateau States, where over 150 people were killed in recent assaults. This tragedy led to a peace march by the Church Denominational Leaders Forum and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, calling for urgent action and an end to the ongoing violence.
Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings as genocidal, revealing that over 60 communities had been overtaken by armed invaders. Meanwhile, Benue State faced a wave of deadly attacks, with 56 fatalities reported in the Ukum and Logo local government areas. Both state governors have called for federal intervention to restore peace and address the escalating violence.
National political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, have also condemned the violence, with the President assuring Nigerians that “forces of evil will never prevail.” However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and opposition figure Peter Obi have criticized the federal government’s handling of the crisis, urging for a more empathetic and locally focused approach.
Security Measures and Political Reactions
In response to the ongoing insecurity, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered increased patrols and heightened protection for public spaces, especially during the Easter period. Despite the federal government’s efforts, the persistent insecurity has sparked outrage, and citizens are increasingly calling for a more comprehensive strategy to curb the violence.
The debate over self-defence versus government responsibility for public safety continues to dominate discussions in Nigeria, as the country grapples with its most serious security crisis in years.