THE growing spate of insecurity in Nigeria have left sour taste in the mouths of both the political leaders and the led, with different calls by critical stakeholders making a case for the arming of citizens to defend themselves against incessant attacks by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements that have apparently been having a field day. Notable voices that have canvassed for self-defence are that of the governor of Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, and his Ondo State counterpart,   Oluwarotimi  Akeredolu.

THE calls came on the heels of sustained armed attacks recorded in worship places (churches and mosques, particularly the June 5, 2022, attack on worshippers at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo), roads, railway, and other communities across the country, particularly in Zamfara where illegal gold-mining is ongoing.

OTHER brazen worrisome and embarrassing attacks were that on the advance convoy of President Buhari in Katsina, the killings of soldiers at Shiroro, and the condemnable attack and jailbreak at Kuje Custodial Centre, leading to the release of high-profile suspects, specifically Boko Haram members. We observe, very painfully, that the security architecture in the country is similarly depleted as some security agents were also caught in the various maiming and killings pervasive in the country.

FURTHERMORE, The Hope notes, very despicably, the payment of N400 million taxes by farmers in Birnin-Gwari LGA of Kaduna to armed bandits, to guarantee their protection, just as a community had to evacuate in Borno State, on the order of terrorists. The foregoing are in addition to the rage of unknown gunmen that have held Southeastern Nigeria by the jugular in recent times. Going by these lamentable situations that Nigeria has been plunged into; it is arguable that non-state actors have seized the control of the nation space, with governments at all levels in the endemically affected places almost on holiday.

THE Hope believes that the calls for self-defense are a ventilation of the frustrations of the governors, who are supposed to be the Chief Security Officers in their respective states, but who could not achieve much in this regard because of the constitutional centralisation of the control of security agencies, under the firm hold of the Federal Government. As a mark of remarkable irony, the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force in all the states depends on the governors, substantially, for its funding. This constitutional anomaly has accounted for the persistent outcry by critical stakeholders, especially Governor Akeredolu,  about the need to emplace true federalism in the country, as against the pseudo version presently adopted, but that is patently unitary in operations.

IN the face of the Nigeria Police inability to perform its constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians, we are strongly of the opinion that the calls for self-defence by state executives are tantamount to the admission of the failure by government to protect its citizens, and a tactical acknowledgment of the fatal threats posed by criminal elements, which would in turn embolden them to sustain their nefarious activities.

THE Hope opines that, even though citizens are daily confronted with the inability of the central government to protect them, the call for self-defence is fraught with dangers  as it would lead to chaos and the proliferation of more firearms, with the possibility of arms being misused by highly-emotional and frustrated Nigerians. This is more so as most Nigerians are psychologically disturbed and emotionally touchy because of the apprehensions caused by insecurity and the anxieties precipitated by depressed economy.                            

IN order to change the negative narratives, we consider it appropriate for government to live up to its responsibility at all times, and emplace institutions that would discourage infractions, and create access to justice. There is the need for improved policing, in terms of enhanced funding, robust motivation for security personnel, and provisions of other needed impetuses, including evolving a platform for rapid response that is similar to the 911 used in developed countries.

SIMILARLY, every community needs to set up its own security arrangement, including the mobilisation of Nigerian youths, particularly the recruitment of graduates that have been taken through the orientations available in the NYSC scheme, to be involved in well-processed intelligence gathering that could be used by the police and other security agencies. This idea would, in addition, be a major boost to the noble efforts already being made by the Amotekun Corps in a state like Ondo. Ultimately, the creation of state police that would be legally empowered to bear requisite arms is a sine qua non that would allow governors secure citizens in their states.   

IT goes without saying that resorting to self-help in taming insecurity is dangerous, as evidently shown in the America example where the liberalisation of firearms bearing has led to avoidable attacks and needless deaths. True to the platitude, it is foolish for one to cut the nose in order to spite the face. To this end, therefore, we unequivocally submit that government must give the people the security they deserve.