As the death toll in the attacks by suspected herdsmen in Benue State rises to 56, former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has once again urged Nigerians, particularly those in the north-central region, to take up arms and defend themselves against the increasing violence in the country. The calls come amidst a growing crisis of violent attacks on innocent civilians by armed groups in several states, including Benue, Plateau, Kwara, and Ondo. Danjuma’s message underscores the widespread concern over the government’s inability to provide adequate security for its citizens.
During a public gathering in Takum, Taraba State, General Danjuma, who is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s security landscape, restated his call for self-defence in light of continued attacks across the country. This is the third time Danjuma has made such a call, which he first raised years ago. His statement followed the horrifying attacks in Benue State, where dozens of civilians were killed by suspected herdsmen.
Danjuma, speaking to a crowd that included top government officials and citizens, emphasized that the people of Taraba, as well as other vulnerable regions, must be prepared to defend themselves. He lamented that the security situation in Nigeria had worsened since his initial calls, with armed groups now possessing sophisticated weapons that pose a serious threat to the lives of civilians.
“The killers have obtained sophisticated arms; we don’t know where they got the arms,” Danjuma said. “But you people should also seek to get it wherever they get the arms; you must defend yourselves against the killers.” He warned that the attackers were well-organized and armed, and that the government could not be relied upon for protection. Danjuma urged the people to be ready for further attacks, stating that “they are well armed to kill you and take over your land. Be ready for them as they are also humans like you.”
The call for self-defence by Danjuma comes amidst a backdrop of increasing violence in several Nigerian states, particularly in the north and middle-belt regions. The former Chief of Army Staff’s message highlights the growing frustration of ordinary citizens who feel abandoned by the government in the face of escalating insecurity.
In Benue State, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia confirmed the death toll in the recent herdsmen attacks, which took place between Thursday and Friday. The governor, who had conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, stated that the attacks were well-coordinated and involved gunmen suspected to be armed herders. The affected local government areas (LGAs) of Logo and Ukum have seen significant casualties, with residents mourning the deaths of their loved ones.
According to the governor, the death toll in Logo stood at 27, while 28 people had been killed in Ukum. Security forces had reportedly recovered over 50 bodies from the attacks. “We know our enemies. This is the only state that we have,” Governor Alia declared. He described the situation as “a real war,” warning that the security challenges were too severe to be dealt with casually. “There is no room for anyone to sleep with their two eyes closed. This is real war,” he added, indicating the dire state of insecurity in the region.
Governor Alia further revealed that many families had already buried their loved ones, with security forces providing them with the necessary protection to do so. The governor called on the federal government for additional support to end the persistent killings and prevent further displacement of innocent citizens. In a statement, Alia also expressed his condolences to the affected families and pledged to cover the burial and medical expenses for victims of the attacks.
Despite the growing attacks, Governor Alia commended the efforts of security agencies working tirelessly to maintain peace in the state. However, he noted that these efforts were insufficient to halt the rampaging violence that has gripped many parts of Benue and other northern states. The governor’s plea to the federal government to intervene and provide more resources to combat the crisis highlights the limited capacity of local security forces in addressing the scale of the problem.
In addition to the violence in Benue, there is growing concern in Kwara State, where a new terrorist group, identified as “Mahmuda,” has emerged. The group is responsible for a series of kidnappings and killings in the Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas. The residents of these areas are now living in fear, as the Mahmuda group continues to carry out violent attacks. The group’s presence in the region is a new development, adding to the already fragile security situation across the country.
As the attacks by herdsmen and other armed groups continue, the government’s response remains a topic of debate. Many Nigerians feel that the federal government has not done enough to curb the violence, leading to widespread frustration and a call for citizens to take matters into their own hands.
The federal government’s response to the escalating insecurity has been criticized for its inefficiency and lack of coordination. Despite promises to tackle the issue of armed groups, many Nigerians believe that the government has failed to protect its citizens from the growing wave of violence. The recent attacks in Benue and Kwara have only heightened these concerns.
General Danjuma’s repeated calls for self-defence reflect the growing disillusionment with the government’s handling of the security situation. His words resonate with many Nigerians who feel they can no longer rely on the state to guarantee their safety. As the death toll continues to rise, the question remains whether the government will act decisively to address the security crisis or whether citizens will be left to fend for themselves.
