By Infactng
Every Nigerian should be allowed to bear arms for self defense because of the security challenges facing the country.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeder’s Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) made the call in Bauchi while reacting to a comment by Bauchi state governor, Sen. Bala Muhammed.
The governor had earlier affirmed the rights of Fulani herdsmen to bear AK-47 rifles in self defense against cattle rustlers, a statement which has been met with much criticisms.
Bauchi chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed said on Sunday there is nothing wrong with the Governor’s stand since he didn’t say herdsmen should go and cause chaos with it.
Ahmed said: ”The government has become irresponsible. That is why a Fulani man has become an outcast in his own country.
“All his wealth has been crippled to activities of cattle rustlers. What do you expect him to do?
“Let everybody protect themselves, let everybody carry arms. You don’t allow few bandits to come and ruin you , kill you, kill your family as few people cannot be terrorizing everybody.”
He added: ”Though in a normal situation nobody should be allowed to carry arms except those that are legalised to do so but if the Federal government had taken the responsibility of protecting lives of citizens serious, no one would dare have reason to carry arms.
“You need to ask yourself is the government doing enough to protect the lives of herdsmen.
“I won’t fault Governor Bala Mohammed for the statement, he is very right. After all he did not say herdsmen should go and cause chaos.
“No one faulted Benue Governor, Ortom when he said herdsmen should leave his state. So why are they criticising Bauchi governor?”
