By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
AS PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu landed in Abuja after an 18-day visit to Paris and London, he returned to a homeland steeped in grief and fury.
In the 20 days he was away, more than 120 people were murdered by armed assailants in North Central Nigeria, igniting public anger and reviving a national debate over security, governance, and self-defence.
The President, expected to meet with service chiefs and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, was reportedly briefed throughout his trip and is preparing an urgent review of Nigeria’s escalating violence, particularly in Plateau, Benue, and Borno States.
The presidency has confirmed that such a security meeting is imminent.
But as government troops struggle to stem the bloodshed, another fire is spreading: a groundswell of support for citizens to defend themselves.
Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, ignited controversy during a live appearance on TVC, accusing state governors of gross underfunding of security agencies despite receiving large security allocations.
“In some states, governors allocate N20 million monthly each to the SSS, police and army — yet their security votes are in the billions,” Bwala said. “Where is the rest of the money going?”
He argued that within the current security framework — federal and quasi-paramilitary agencies — states already have the tools to combat violence but lack the will to fund them effectively.
Bwala said the clamour for state police often masks governance failures at the local level.
The security debate turned sharply political when former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma, reiterated his call for Nigerians to take up arms in self-defense.
“The warning I gave years ago remains valid. Nigerians must rise and defend themselves,” Danjuma declared at an event in Taraba.
Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi pushed back, calling the statement dangerous.
“That advice can lead to anarchy,” he said on Channels TV. “Dialogue, not violence, brought peace between herders and farmers in my state.”
Nasarawa State echoed the sentiment. Spokesman Peter Ahemba insisted that Governor Abdullahi Sule’s proactive collaboration with security agencies made Danjuma’s advice inapplicable in his region.
But not everyone agrees. In Plateau and Taraba States, the mood is one of desperation.
Security officer Jackson Dauda said communities are under siege. “We’ve lost too many. It’s time for self-defense,” he said, pointing to groups like Mahmuda that have terrorised rural North Central areas.
Tanko Useni, a resident of Taraba, said government forces are overwhelmed. “Our women can’t go to market. Our men are killed on their farms. What are we waiting for?”
Others see potential for escalation. Dr Simon Nuhu, a security expert, warned that citizen-led defence without structure could spark widespread anarchy. “We need policing, not vigilante warfare,” he cautioned.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro urged caution and clarity. “Danjuma’s words reflect national frustration. But we don’t need more guns — we need more guardians,” he said.
Aro proposed trained Neighbourhood Watch Units led by retired military and police veterans under legal oversight. “These professionals know how to balance vigilance with restraint,” he explained.
Similarly, Brig Gen. Bashir Adewinibi backed regional security models like the South-West’s Amotekun Corps. “It works. Other regions must follow suit — with proper funding and neutrality.”
For Brig Gen. George Emdin, the growing crisis demands bolder action. “Attack is the best defence,” he said. “When bandits come, communities must respond — but not with bare hands.”
Still, he warned of the long-term dangers of unregulated arms. “We’re inching toward a future where anyone can carry a gun. That’s dangerous.”
On Monday, rage spilled onto the streets of Jos. Hundreds led by Christian leaders marched through Favwei Junction, blocking traffic in a protest against the killings in Bokkos and Bassa.
“We are not happy,” said protester Gyang Dalyop. “These attacks keep happening. Where is the government?”
Hannatu Philip joined the call. “We want action — not condolences,” she said as protesters waved placards before marching to Government House.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang received the crowd. Dr Amos Mohzo of the Church Denominational Leaders Forum urged decisive steps. “This protest is not just about pain. It is a demand — for peace, for justice, for life.”
