Dare Babalola
The presidency has urged Nigerians to defend themselves against attackers, insisting that citizens have the constitutional right to protect their lives and property from aggressors.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, stated this on Wednesday while reacting to the recent wave of insecurity and killings across parts of the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television over the attack on the Esiele community in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Bwala maintained that the Federal Government remained committed to ending the killings in the country.
Gunmen had reportedly invaded the LA Primary School in the area on Friday, abducting teachers and pupils during the attack.
Reacting to the incident, Bwala said criminal activities occur in every part of the world despite government efforts, stressing that collective action and intelligence sharing would help tackle insecurity.
“Solution is what we all look to. Evil men operate anywhere in the world no matter how tight you are as a government,” he said.
“You do your best and expect that with the help of God and collective participation of the people through collective intelligence we will be able to put an end to it.”
He acknowledged the frustrations of Nigerians over repeated attacks and killings, noting that citizens would naturally continue to mourn and demand action whenever lives are lost.
According to him, “We will put an end to this as a people.”
Bwala also alleged that insecurity often rises during election periods, claiming that some persons exploit what he described as a “crisis economy” for political and economic gains.
“Every eve of elections in Nigeria from 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026, you will see that crisis increases because of the idea of a crisis economy,” he added.
The presidential aide further stressed that Nigerians have the constitutional right to self-defence when faced with threats to their lives.
“The constitution has guaranteed every citizen of Nigeria the right to self-defence. Nigerians have the right to defend themselves,” he said.
“If you come to my house to try to kill me, any lethal weapon I use to defend myself is guaranteed by the constitution.”
He, however, clarified that Nigerians are not permitted to possess prohibited firearms except where such weapons are legally approved by the government.
Bwala also encouraged communities to strengthen local vigilante structures and intelligence gathering to support security agencies in combating criminal activities across the country.
