Middle Belt Forum disagrees with Army Chief, advocates for rights to bear arms in self-defense
By Admin
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has voiced its disagreement with the recent statement by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, suggesting that Nigerians should not be allowed to carry arms, as reported.
The MBF argues that such a directive, in the face of ongoing killings in the country, would not be in the overall interest of the people.
The National President of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Poguthe, issued a statement on Monday, emphasizing that preventing Nigerians from carrying arms to defend themselves while armed assailants roam freely with sophisticated weapons would amount to a conspiracy against the people.
Dr. Pogu stressed the need for a reconsideration of the statement, pointing out that security agencies have not effectively protected Nigerians from marauders.
He highlighted the fact that Nigerians were previously allowed to carry certain categories of arms, not on par with military-grade weapons, which served as a means of self-defense.
The MBF President expressed his disagreement with the Chief of Army Staff, stating, “I completely disagree because the security agencies are not adequately protecting Nigerians, and Nigerians are being killed like chickens.”
He pointed out that when citizens are faced with criminals wielding sophisticated weapons and the security agencies fail to act, Nigerians should be allowed to carry at least some form of arms to protect themselves.
Dr. Pogu emphasized that the existing categories of arms previously permitted for citizens should not be revoked.
He argued that the right to bear arms for self-defense is essential, especially when security agencies have been unable to effectively safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
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The MBF President concluded by stating that anything short of allowing citizens to bear arms would imply a conspiracy against the people, and he called for a reconsideration of the Chief of Army Staff’s statement.
Source: Vanguard
