By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
In a fiery and impassioned speech delivered at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, on Saturday, former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.) called on Nigerians to take their security into their own hands, warning that dependence on government forces for protection is no longer a viable option.
Citing the unrelenting wave of violence perpetrated by bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs across the country, Danjuma reiterated a warning he issued five years ago, emphasizing its continued relevance in the face of escalating insecurity.
Danjuma’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a surge in violent attacks, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where dozens of lives have been lost and entire communities uprooted in recent weeks.
The retired general, a prominent figure from Takum, expressed deep frustration with what he described as the government’s failure to curb the rising tide of lawlessness.
“The warning I gave some years ago is still as valid today as it was then,” he declared.
“Nigerians must rise and defend themselves. We can not continue to sit and watch bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked.”
The former defence minister painted a grim picture of the current security landscape, pointing to the recurring massacres in Nigeria’s north-central region as evidence of systemic failure. He argued that the government’s inability to provide adequate protection has left citizens vulnerable, urging communities to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their lives, families, and properties.
“It is now very clear that the government alone can not protect us,” Danjuma asserted.
“We must stand up and defend ourselves, our families, and our lands before these criminals overrun the entire country.”
The call to self-defence has sparked widespread debate, with some hailing Danjuma’s bluntness as a necessary wake-up call, while others caution that such rhetoric could exacerbate vigilante justice and further destabilize the region.
The retired general’s remarks resonate deeply in areas like Benue and Plateau, where residents have borne the brunt of relentless attacks by armed groups. In recent months, these states have witnessed horrific incidents, including the slaughter of villagers, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of thousands, leaving communities in a state of fear and despair.
Danjuma’s outspoken stance is rooted in his long-standing critique of Nigeria’s security architecture. Five years ago, he made headlines when he accused certain elements within the military of complicity in the violence plaguing the country, a claim that stirred controversy and drew sharp reactions. His latest comments reflect a deepening sense of urgency, as the nation continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges, including banditry, insurgency, and communal clashes.
As Nigeria navigates this precarious moment, Danjuma’s words underscore the growing frustration among citizens who feel abandoned by the state. However, his call for self-defence raises critical questions about the implications of communities taking up arms in the absence of robust governance and coordinated security measures. For now, the retired general’s message serves as both a rallying cry and a stark reminder of the daunting challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation.