Bauchi gov clarifies AK-47 comment, says herdsmen must protect themselves
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Friday clarified his comment that Fulani herdsmen carry AK-47 to protect themselves and their cows from attacks by cattle rustlers and other criminals.
Many Nigerians had frowned at that comment saying that if herdsmen should be allowed to carry AK-47 that every other citizen should be equally allowed to do the same.
However, speaking on Channels TV Sunrise Daily on Friday, the governor said:
“What I said in that context is that the Fulani man is so exposed, dehumanised, demonised. Because he is seen as a bandit, anywhere he goes, his commonwealth is being taken away and rustled.
“If one cow strays into the farm because the cattle route has been taken away illegally without the authority giving permission, he will be fined seriously, mercilessly. So, he has no option than to protect himself. We also have so many vigilante groups in Nigeria, even at the different levels of government, sub-regional groups, sub-national.
“When we mention carrying AK-47, it is in other to protect himself. It is a figure of speech to show you the despondence, the desperation and frustration, and the agony that this particular person is exposed to by his own people, by his own tribe, and by other tribes who have all seen him as a criminal and therefore, he has the inalienable right to protect himself.
“It may not be an illegal carriage; it may be legal. He may also register and carry it to protect himself. They have no option but to protect themselves. The issue is self-protection. There must be some sort of approval. What I am saying is not to legalise the carriage of AK-47. I must be understood.”
