The Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly (AGLA) has condemned the rising spate of deadly attacks in Northern Nigeria, with over 300 lives lost in April alone, and has called on the federal government to urgently legalise the possession of AK-47 rifles by rural communities for self-defence.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the president of AGLA, Hon Onogu Collins, decried the relentless killings in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Niger, and Zamfara states, warning that the region is descending into anarchy.
“The carnage must stop,” Collins said. “Our communities are being slaughtered like chickens, and the government cannot continue to look the other way. If our people were armed, many of these attacks could have been repelled.”
He cited multiple attacks in recent weeks, including: Plateau State: Over 100 killed across Bokkus, Bassa, and Riyom LGAs between March and April. Benue State: At least 56 killed in Ukum LGA on Good Friday. Kaduna State: 25 deaths recorded in Kajuru and Chikun LGAs. Niger State: 20 killed in Rafi LGA on April 15. Zamfara State: 12 killed in Anka LGA.
According to AGLA, the total death toll in these attacks exceeds 300 people, many of them women and children. The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise domestic security over foreign engagements and to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities.
The group went further, demanding the federal government legalise the use of AK-47 rifles for villagers under a regulated system, saying it is the only way citizens can defend themselves from heavily armed bandits and terrorists.
“Based on our findings, the criminals attacking our communities already possess these weapons. If our villagers also had access to AK-47s under proper monitoring, the attackers would think twice before launching these brutal assaults,” Collins stated.
He dismissed concerns that the proposal could lead to anarchy, arguing that the real threat to Nigeria’s stability lies in allowing armed groups to operate unchecked.
“The enemies of the land are already armed. Equipping law-abiding citizens will not breed anarchy — it will restore balance. We have capable youths and leaders ready to defend their communities and support government efforts,” he said.
The group also called for a special task force to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of the attacks and increased funding and equipment for security agencies.
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