Posted by As a result of the ongoing violence in some parts of Plateau State, Dachung Bagos, who represents the Jos South and Jos East Constituency in the House of Representatives, advised citizens on Monday to protect themselves, citing the right to bear arms as a constitutional guarantee.
According to KURYALOADED reporting, 19 people were slain over the weekend in Jos South and Mangu LGAs.
On Sunday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mangu LGA in an effort to bring peace and order to the area.
In a statement signed and sent to our correspondent, Bagos, a politician, reacted to the recent outbreak of violence in the LGA by reminding the populace that they have the right to self-defense under the law and should use it if they feel threatened.
“Unfortunately, everyday attacks and killings of innocent individuals are occurring in Plateau State, especially in the Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas.
“Hundreds have died since May 2023, and villagers can’t go to their farms, several displaced persons, lands taken over, farmlands destroyed, what a wicked world”, he sobbed.
Twelve people were slain in Mangu on Saturday, including seven of my constituents who are miners. “This is sad, barbaric, and must be condemned,” he mourned.
Ishaya David, 25, Paul Adamu Dangyuruk, 23, Bitrus Mancha Dantou, 40, Davou Boyi, 39, Joseph John, 35, and Timothy Peter, 35 were all identified as victims in Turu, Jos South LGA of the State.
Most of the people I represent are constantly on edge because of the regular attacks by bandits.
“Law-abiding citizens must organize to protect themselves in the face of this kind of breakdown in the will and capacity of the government to protect the people and their communities,” he said
When the government fails in its constitutional obligation to protect its people, it is the duty of the people, both legally and morally, to take measures to save human life.
“The freedom to defend oneself is guaranteed by the Constitution. The Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 states, under section 14(2)(b), that the primary goal of government will be the security and wellbeing of the people.
According to him, “the sanctity of the human person shall be recognized” is guaranteed by Article 17(2)(b) of the same constitution, and self-defense is permitted under Article 33(2)(a) when used to “defend any person from unlawful violence or for the defense of property.”