Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd) has challenged Nigerians to not be cowardly but show courage in the face of attacks by bandits.
Magashi spoke hours after gunmen attacked Government Science College, Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, killing a student and abducting 42 persons including 27 students, three staff members and 12 relatives of staff members, according to the State Governor, Abubakar Bello.
Speaking with journalists after the screening of service chiefs by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the minister said that security shouldn’t be left alone to the military.
He stated that Nigerians must join the fight against bandits and other criminals threatening the nation’s peace.
According to him: “Well, it is not the responsibility of the military alon. It is the responsibility of everybody to be alert and ensure safety when necessary.
“We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots everybody will run. In our younger days, we stand to fight any form of aggression.
“Why should people run away from minor, minor aggressions? We should stand and face them. If these people know that the people have the competence and capability to defend themselves, they will run away.”
Askef if he supported the calls for legislation to have civilians bear firearms in the country, he said he did not support such calls.
Meanwhile, the minister promised Nigerians that all abducted students would be rescued as soon as possible.
Magashi stated that the government would replicate the strategy used in freeing the Kankara schoolboys to free the Kagara students and staff members. .
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