By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd) has once again raised the alarm over the growing insecurity in the country, urging the people of Taraba State to rise up and defend themselves.
He stated this in Takum, his hometown and headquarters of Takum Local Government Area during an appreciation gathering with his staff.
Danjuma expressed deep concerns over the continued killings ravaging parts of Benue, Plateau, and other states, allegedly carried out by armed herders and bandits.
“I told you before to defend yourselves, and I’m repeating it again today, with even greater urgency.
“Those attacking you are heavily armed. Nobody knows where they got their weapons from, but wherever they did, get yours too.”
The elder statesman’s counsel came amid widespread of killings by suspected herders in Benue and Plateau as well as other states in the country.
The former army chief maintained that the killings which moved him to make the statement years ago have not abated, but rather gone worse.
He added that unless the people were prepared to defend themselves against the killers, nobody was ready to protect their lives from anywhere.
“I once asked you to rise up and defend yourselves, I’m still repeating it today with more seriousness. Rise up and defend yourselves. The killers have obtained sophisticated arms, we don’t know where they got the arms, you people should also seek to get it wherever they got the arms. You must defend yourselves against the killers.
“You should know they are well armed to kill you and take over your land. Be ready for them as they are also humans like you,” Danjuma said.
He warned that the invaders are determined not just to kill but to take over ancestral lands. He called on communities to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to displace them.
“They are armed and ready to destroy your lives and homes.
“But don’t forget, they are human too. You have every right to defend your land, your families, and your future.”
This fresh call comes years after Danjuma first made a similar declaration, which stirred national debate at the time.
However, according to him, the situation has only worsened since then thereby the need to defend themselves.