Dachung Bagos, a member of the house of representatives,
says citizens have the right to defend themselves against violent attacks.
In a statement issued on Monday, the legislator representing
Jos south/Jos north federal constituency of Plateau, specifically asked his
constituents to defend themselves in the face of assault.
The lawmaker said over 19 people were killed and several
houses and properties razed, when bandits attacked Mangu LGA of the state on
Saturday and Sunday.
Bagos said residents in his constituency are being “killed
daily” by bandits, adding that they should “rise and defend themselves against
incessant attacks”.
He said the provisions of the 1999 constitution give
citizens the right to “self-defence and the right to exercise it”.
“Sadly, innocent citizens are being attacked and killed on a
daily bases in Plateau state particularly in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Mangu,” he
said.
“Hundreds have lost their lives since May 2023, and
villagers can’t go to the farm. Several displaced persons camps and lands were
taken over, and farmlands destroyed. What a wicked world!
“Just on Saturday, 12
persons were killed in Mangu and also yesterday night, seven of my constituents
who are miners were targeted and gunned down. This is sad, barbaric and
condemned.”
‘OUR LAND WILL NEVER
BE TAKEN BY FORCE’
The legislator listed those killed to include — Ishaya
David, 25; Paul Dangyuruk, 23; Davou Boyi, 40; Joseph John, 39; Timothy Peter,
35; and Bitrus Dantou — all in Turu, Jos south LGA.
He said “most of my constituents now live in fear of bandits
and the attacks are now daily”.
“In the face of this
kind of breakdown in the will and capacity of the government to protect the
people and their communities, law-abiding citizens must organise to protect
themselves,” he said.
“The point here is when the government fails in its
constitutional role to protect its people, citizens have a legitimate duty in
law and morality to ensure the continuity of human life.”
The lawmaker cited section 33(2)(a) of the constitution,
saying the law makes self-defence lawful when undertaken in defence of unlawful
violence or for the defence of property.
“I want to call on all Plateau citizens to be alert and
defend themselves against attackers, and all Plateau state citizens must unite
to defend the land,” he said.
“We are peaceful
people, but our inheritance which is our land will never be taken by force,” he
added.
Caleb Mutfwang, governor of the state, imposed a 24-hour
curfew on Mangu LGA after Saturday’s attack.
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