Bauchi State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah, Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmad, has thrown his weight behind Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed’s comment on herdsmen who carry arms to ‘defend’ themselves saying that other Nigerians can do that as well if that is what would protect them.
He revealed in an interview that the herdsmen carry arms for self-defense because the government had failed to defend them.
His said: ‘Government’s major responsibility is to protect its citizens and their property. But where the government fails to do that, other people will take the responsibility for doing so.
Read Also: Miyetti Allah Trying To Infiltrate Amotekun – OPC
‘Nigeria lacks good leadership and if there is no leadership, people take the laws into their hands. Taking the laws into their own hands is not new. It is not surprising if someone says any group should leave a particular state or region, these people are not the culprits who committed any offense.
‘It is more dangerous to ask people to leave my state or region than for someone to carry a weapon and defend himself. So, I’m in support of Governor Mohammed. If the government fails and allows some people to kill other the way they like, then people should defend themselves.’
When quizzed on whether other Nigerians should also carry arms to defend themselves, said: ‘That is exactly what I’m saying. Since there is no government, Nigerians should carry weapons to protect themselves.’
However, a Miyetti Allah activist in Dutse, Jigawa State, Mustapha Barkindo, said the call was unnecessary since such a move was capable of inciting anarchy, which mighty ultimately plunge the entire country into confusion.
‘Honestly, I felt touched over Mohammed’s comment being a public figure and leader who is to proffer workable solutions to end herdsmen and farmers clashes and not to ignite it,‘ he said.
He lamented the Federal Government’s lukewarm attitude towards resolving the herdsmen and farmers crisis in the country, which made it escalate to this point, saying: ‘I urge the authorities to act without further delay before the situation gets out of control.’
Barkindo stressed that the herdsmen and farmers’ clashes were a serious issue that needed a holistic approach, insisting that allowing it to escalate further would lead to anarchy in the country.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK