The Minister of Defence, Manor-General Bashir Magashi is currently under fire for saying that Nigerians need to stop being cowards and face bandits whenever they attack.
Recall that Golden News NG earlier reported that Magashi had said that the reason why bandits can attack at will is because people are now very afraid of them. According to him, people need to stand their ground and defend themselves against the bandits because their security is not the sole responsibility of the armed forces.
It is worthy to note that, Magashi added that he’s not in support of the people carrying arms to defend themselves. This comment has sparked an outrage on Nigerian social media and thousands of Nigerians have expressed their displeasure.
Currently on Nigerian Twitter, tweeps are ‘roasting’ Magashi for the comment. Many have also asked him how they should defend themselves since they aren’t allowed to carry arms.
Some reactions read;
@Frank Donga_ wrote;
“When a serving minister of DEFENCE who has 24-hrs protection by loads of ARMED officers calls poor unarmed citizens COWARDS for not fighting ARMED bandits, you know there is trouble. #ITweetInPeace🙏🏻👀🚶🏿♂️”
@DrOlufunmilayo wrote;
“The Minister of Defence said Nigerians should defend themselves against bandits. Yet same man is against the ownership of guns by private citizens. So pls how do we defend ourselves? With bread knife and korkor shoe?”
@YeleSowore wrote;
“Just to show to @MBuhari’s Minister of Defence and cabal members that we #Nigerians are not cowards. Let’s #occupyNigeria massively soon! Get ready! Retweet if you love the idea!”
@Gabriel Otung wrote;
“This one minister of defence said we are cowards for not defending ourselves from bandits should know that if guns are legal in Nigeria, citizens may kill each other daily. Take a look at that student in Ikot Ewa that wanted to kill her teacher for asking her to cut her hair.”
@Morris_Monye wrote;
“Did the Minister of Defence just say that Nigerians are cowards and they should defend themselves??? Or was he quoted out of context? Anyway I have some of the most vicious dogs ever in my compound so bring it on. Defence Minister has abdicated his role of defending Nigerians”
@Abadam__ wrote;
“The minister of defence saying people should not run because of 3 rounds of ammunition.😭😭😭😭 May our parents never be this heartless in the face of reality just to maintain power! All sort of gutter behaviour dey this government. From Doctors should go farming to this.”
@NotJustSalmanPr wrote;
“How can the Minister of Defence say Nigerians should defend themselves against bandits without legalizing guns for us? Is it kitchen knife or laptop we will use to block bullets?”
See screenshots below;