Gov. Namadi to Danjuma: Self-Defence Could Spark Anarchy
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State says Nigeria has not reached a breaking point where citizens should resort to defending themselves with arms.
Speaking during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, the governor responded to recent comments by retired General Theophilus Danjuma.
Over the weekend, Danjuma, a former Minister of Defence, urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their safety amid the rising cases of kidnappings and violent attacks across the country.
“We have experienced kidnapping. The threat of kidnapping will continue until we, every one of us, rise up and defend ourselves,” Danjuma said. “It is quite clear the government alone cannot do it. I have warned a very long time ago, in a speech in Wukari, that our people must be prepared to defend themselves.”
While acknowledging Danjuma’s stature and experience, Namadi cautioned against such a call, warning that it could create widespread chaos.
“He is a very senior security person, and should be respected,” the governor said. “But if he says that citizens should be allowed to defend themselves, I think you are causing anarchy. His words need to be analysed carefully.”
Namadi argued that encouraging citizens to bear arms could escalate conflicts, particularly in communities already dealing with tensions.
Citing the farmer-herder clashes in Jigawa, he explained that his administration tackled the issue through peaceful means rather than confrontation.
“Like I said, what we did in Jigawa, if we allowed the people to defend themselves, that means you’re causing crisis between farmers and herders,” he said. “But when we came in, we deployed a lot of strategies, including dialogue and trying as much as possible to engage traditional rulers and (stakeholders) from both farmers and herders side.”
According to the governor, this approach led to the creation of a reconciliation committee that brought both parties to the table.
He said the initiative has allowed farmers and herders in the state to coexist peacefully.
“The peace initiative has enabled farmers and herders to work together, interact together and live their normal lives together,” he said.
Namadi maintained that governments at both state and federal levels are trying their best to address insecurity, and that Nigeria has not descended to a point where citizens should take the law into their own hands.
“So, I think the government is doing its best — both at federal and different state levels. The issue of asking people to defend themselves… I think we have not reached that level yet,” he said.
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