The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja has dismissed calls for self-defence in the wake of attacks in Plateau.
The army chiefs statement comes amid criticisms elicited by the Christmas Eve attacks on Plateau communities that left over 195 dead, with scores wounded and about 34,000 displaced.
While the development has elicited outcry in and outside the country, the Army Chief believes self-defence amounts to anarchy. He said, during a television programme at the weekend: I do not support that. I think that is a call for anarchy.
According to him, the Nigerian Army can defend the country; and as such, there is no need for self-defence. He also said as part of efforts to bolster security in the Plateau, more troops are being deployed to the area. He, however, urged the States residents to provide the military with adequate information about incidents.
Plateau State governor, Mutfwang, had warned that incessant attacks on his people could force them to take up arms in self-defence against killer herdsmen terrorising them.
Before Mutfwang, former Katsina Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, had charged citizens to rise in self-defence against bandits.
