Several controversies have followed the statement made recently by the Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed, claiming that Fulani herdsmen carry AK-47 Rifles for self-defense.
The governor claims that it is as a result of decades of dehumanization faced by the herders in the hands of rustlers.
Bala, in an interview on Friday, further said his use of “AK-47” was purely figurative. He said he would not withdraw the statement he made, saying Nigerians must stop characterizing the Fulani herdsmen as criminals because of their line of business, calling it a “job”.
Governor Bala said; “What I said in that context is that the Fulani man is so exposed, dehumanized, demonized. Because he is seen as a bandit, anywhere he goes, his commonwealth (cow) 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, and 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 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.”
He further made it clear that the AK-47 carried by the herders is necessary for security and self-protection. He says he didn’t mean to advocate for the legalization of the AK-47 rifle.
He said; “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 legalize the carriage of AK-47. I must be understood.”
