Former Aviation Minister and PDP Chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) has asked government to allow farmers carry AK-47 rifles just like the Fulani herders.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammed had given justification for the herdsmen to arm themselves with the weapons.
According to him, it is to protect themselves from cattle rustlers who attack, kill them and take away their cattle. Fani-Kayode believes that the farmers also need to protect themselves against the herdsmen and other criminals.
Governor Bala Muhammed regretted that the South West has become hostile to the herdsmen adding that the south westerners have been accommodated in the north over the years.
He said that the herdsmen have a right to live and do their businesses wherever they choose as Nigerians.
During a press briefing after a 3-hour meeting with Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, Fani-Kayode stressed that the same privilege of arms-bearing should be accorded the farmers and communities where the herders graze their animals.
FFK added that the conflict would only be solved if the government rose up to its challenge of protecting lives.
According to him, “A good friend of mine, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed, we served together as ministers, he said a few days ago that herdsmen should be allowed to carry AK-47.
“Now, I disagree with that but that was his opinion and like `I told him, he is entitled to his opinions and he can voice it.
“If you go by that principle, then it makes absolute sense that if Fulanis are allowed to carry AK-47 to defend their cows and their lives if they feel threatened, then it is also logical for members of the local communities, farmers and each and everyone of us should also have the right to defend ourselves against killer herdsmen and against those that are coming to kill us and rape our women.
“So, I am totally and completely behind that and I will like that very much. Why not ? We are responsible and decent people.
“The Americans have that right; it is enshrined in their constitution and if it is also that we carry arms, perhaps we won’t have the kind of atrocities that are being committed throughout the country and not just throughout the South.
“Even in the North itself, I must tell you, it is unbelievable what is going on in terms of these killers killing members of the local population.
“Perhaps that is one way to solve the problem but the best way is for the government itself to rise up and do something about it.
“That is what they are there to do. Let’s hope they do it and so we don’t have to do it ourselves.”
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