Plateau killings: Groups Slam COAS On Why Nigerians Can’t Bear Arms

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, were yesterday up in arms against the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, over the latter’s declaration that Nigerians cannot be allowed to bear arms to defend themselves in the face of attack by marauders.

The Army chief’s stance came against the backdrop of calls by groups and individuals across the country that Nigerians be allowed to carry arms to defend themselves against militias, terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, among others, especially given the Christmas Eve attacks on communities in Bokkos and Mangu local government areas o Plateau State.
The coordinated attacks led to the death of over 200 persons and the destruction of hundreds of properties.

But the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, agreed with Lt General Lagbaja, saying allowing the people to bear arms to defend themselves against attacks might lead to anarchy.

Speaking on Channels Television’s end-of-the-year programme, ‘’2023: Year of Transition,’’ late Sunday night, Lagbaja had dismissed calls for self-defence, stressing it could lead to anarchy.

It’s call to anarchy — COAS

“I do not support that (self-defence). I think that is a call to anarchy,” Lagbaja said
According to him, the Nigerian Army can defend the country and as such, there is no need for self-defence.

He also said as part of efforts to bolster security in Plateau, more troops were being deployed to the area.

The Army chief said: “I have reeled out our plans for 2024 for Plateau State. The troops that we are deploying to Plateau, are on their way to Plateau now.

“This night or first thing tomorrow, they should be on the Plateau. We are sending more equipment to enhance efficiency of the troops.”It will be recalled that over 50 villages were attacked in the two local government areas, with President Bola Tinubu calling for a thorough probe.

The assaults have also drawn global criticism, as the UN asked the Federal Government to do a thorough probe into the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this incident promptly, thoroughly, and independently, consistent with international human rights law, and to hold those responsible to account in fair trials.

“The cycle of impunity fuelling recurrent violence must be urgently broken. The government should also take meaningful steps to address the underlying root causes and to ensure non-recurrence of this devastating violence,’’ UN rights chief, Volker Turk, had said in a statement.

Countering the army chief in a reaction yesterday, the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, said the army’s position will not be in the overall interest of the people.

Secretary of the north-central zone of CAN, Pastor Simon Dolly, said: “As religious leaders, it is our firm belief that the bearing of arms without proper license or the authority to do so, regardless of the circumstances, is a violation of the law and can potentially lead to further breakdown of order and security within our nation.

“It is our duty as faith leaders to advocate lawful and peaceful means of conflict resolution. Instead of promoting the proliferation of arms, we emphasize the importance of prayer for peace in our nation and urge our followers to support the government in carrying out its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of all citizens.

“We also stress the values of tolerance, brotherliness, unity, forgiveness, and cooperation in our teachings and interactions with our followers, as these are essential for fostering a harmonious and secure society.”

Recognizing the complexities surrounding the issue of firearms in Nigeria, Pastor Simon Dolly called for a comprehensive approach that addressed the root causes of insecurity.
“We call upon our leaders to prioritize initiatives that promote dialogue, understanding, and the equitable distribution of resources to address the grievances that often lead to violence and conflict,” he added.

PUNCH