Insecurity: Rights advocate Ozobo calls for self-defense against unprovoked killings, attacks, kidnapping

By Monday Peters, Abuja

A renowned Niger Delta civil rights advocate, Comrade Ozobo Austin has urged Nigerian citizens to undergo self-defense against unprovoked killings, invasions and kidnapping of innocent citizens in the country.

This was contained in a statement which he personally signed and a copy was sent to newsmen on Tuesday.

Ozobo, particularly urged citizens of Benue and Plateau states, to resort to self-defence as a means of protecting themselves and their communities, stating that the call wasn’t meant to incite violence or revenge, but rather a call to take necessary precautions and defend yourselves against these attacks.

The activist noted that it was the responsibility of the government to provide security and protect its citizens, but when this duty was not fulfilled, it became necessary for citizens to take up the responsibility themselves.

He added that Nigerian citizens cannot continue to rely on a system that has failed to protect them as
the lives and properties of Nigerians were at risk, and a great threat.

The statement titled “CITIZENS, VICTIMS AND COMMUNITIES FACING BANDITS AND HERDSMEN ATTACKS SHOULD RESORT TO SELF-DEFENSE” said “I wish to express my frustration and deep concern over the ongoing unprovoked killings and wild destruction of homes and communities by Fulani herdsmen and others parading as bandits in Nigeria, especially in the northern parts of the country.

“My deepest frustration is seeing a government that took oath to protect lives and property sitting on the fence while a supposed enemy of the Nigeria state killing law-abiding citizens and burning down homes and communities.

“You may agree with me that the increasing attacks by bandits and herdsmen on innocent citizens within Benue, Plateau and southern regions of the country have caused unimaginable pain and loss of lives and properties.
In the face of this dire situation, I would urge Nigerian citizens, particularly those living in the affected areas in Benue and Plateau states, to resort to self-defence as a means of protecting themselves and their communities. This is not a call for violence or revenge, but rather a call to take necessary precautions and defend yourselves against these attacks.

“It is the responsibility of the government to provide security and protect its citizens, but when this duty is not fulfilled, it becomes necessary for citizens to take up the responsibility themselves. This is not an easy decision to make, but the reality is that the lives and properties of Nigerians are at risk, and we cannot continue to rely on a system that has failed to protect us.

“The Niger Delta region has experienced its fair share of insecurity and violence, perpetrated by the marauding Fulani herdsmen and bandits and some of the communities especially the riverine communities have learned to defend themselves and their communities. It is time for the citizens of Benue and Plateau states, and other affected areas in the country, to adopt this same approach and stand up for their own safety.

“I also call on the government to take urgent and concrete steps to address the root causes of these attacks and provide adequate security for its citizens. There should be no more excuses or delays in addressing this issue. The lives of Nigerians are precious, and it is the duty of the government to protect them at all costs.

“However, I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and be ready to defend themselves and their communities against any threat to their safety and security. Together, we can overcome this challenge and make Nigeria a safer place for all”.