From Segun Amure, (The New Diplomat’s Abuja Bureau)
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), has incurred the wrath of Nigerians for asking citizens to engage in self defence against bandits and other criminal elements terrorizing the country.
Addressing journalists in the wake of the abduction of 42 people from Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State on Wednesday, Magashi said he cannot understand why Nigerians are running away from “minor” aggressors.
He asked civilians to face armed terrorists and bandits to show them they have the competence and capability to defend themselves despite not being trained in military ways or licensed to carry fire arms.
In his words:“It is the responsibility of everybody to keep alert and to find safety when necessary. But we shouldn’t be cowards.
“At times, the bandits will only come with about three rounds of ammunition, when they fire shots everybody runs.
“In our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming for us.
“I don’t know why people are running from minor things like that. They should stand and let these people know that even the villagers have the competency and capabilities to defend themselves.
He added: “Our own duty is to ensure that no Nigerian is hurt, and we are capable of protecting the integrity of this nation and we’ll continue to do it even though we are so stretched.”
The minister also said all the abducted students of Kagara would be rescued as soon as possible, using the ‘Kankara strategy.’
“The government will replicate the strategy used in freeing the Kankara schoolboys to obtain success in freeing the Kagara students and staff.”
”We have demonstrated our ability to take on the challenge. We have done it in Katsina; when children were kidnapped. Within two days, we got them back. Hopefully, this time, we will do the same (thing) to get these captives back. We are planning” Magashi said.
But his comments did not sit down well with many Nigerians who viewed it as an abdication of the most important role and responsibility of any government — protection of lives and properties of citizens — something the defence Minister swore to do.
Nigerians are already calling for the Minister’s resignation or sacking by President Muhammadu Buhari over the gaffee, saying he just exposed his ineptitude and low morale as the country’s defence Minister.
Also, many are worried that Magashi may have been overwhelmed by the plethora of security challenges facing the nation, hence the need to hire a competent hand with fresh ideas and sheer determination in his place to work with the newly appointed Service Chiefs.
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