Yakassai faults Danjuma’s call on self-defence

- Northern leader, Malam Tanko Yakassa asks Theophilus Danjuma to provide evidence backing his claim that the armed forces is complicit in the raging conflict between herdsmen and farmers

- Niger Delta activist, Annkio Briggs, says the the former minister of defence stood up for liberty, equity, justice and truth by speaking out against killings in the country

- Governor Wike throws support behind TY Danjuma

Northern leader, Malam Tanko Yakassai, has faulted the call by the former minister of defence, Lt Gen Theophilus Danjuma, for the citizenry to defend themselves against attacks by marauding herdsmen.

The Guardian reports that Yakassai on Monday, March 26, said Danjuma’s comments fell short of words which should emanate from an elder statesman.

READ ALSO: Man shares story of how he found a cobra in his toilet bowl (photos)

“What Gen. Danjuma said is hardly the words of elders. Elders are known for trying to calm down tension and not to invite conflict. If the two warring groups decide to defend themselves, it means there would be endless anarchy and this is not what we want in this 20th century," he said.

Yakassai, who is also a founding member of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) asked the former military chief to provide verifiable evidence to back his claims that the armed forces was complicit in the raging conflict between herdsmen and farmers.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 news app

“The military remains his constituency even though he left service over 40 years ago. He is still respected among the rank and file. He has the opportunity to meet the highest echelon of the army to talk to them and advise them. This is a better option than calling for anarchy,” Yakassai said.

Meanwhile, Theophilus Danjuma has been commended by Niger Delta activist, Annkio Briggs, over his call on Nigerians to rise and defend themselves.

Vanguard reports that the convener of the Niger Delta Self-Determination Movement (NDSDM) in a statement on Monday, March 26, said that Danjuma stood for equity, justice and truth by speaking against what she called ethnic and religious cleansing.

Similarly, Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, on Monday, March 26, said he agreed with former minister of defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), recent calls for Nigerians to pick up arms in self defence against killer herdsmen and bandits.

Punch reports that Wike said Danjuma's call for self defence is the right thing and added that he would begin a fasting and prayer session for the former minister of defence.

Nigerian herdsmen vs Nigerian farmers on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng