Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Bashir Magashi, has chided Nigerians for being cowardly when bandits strike.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, he charged Nigerians to stand up to the bandits and defend themselves.
According to the minister, bandits sometimes possess few rounds of ammunition, so people should quit being cowardly when they strike.
“It is the responsibility of everybody to keep alert and to find safety when necessary. But we shouldn’t be cowards.
“At times, the bandits will only come with about three rounds of ammunition, when they fire shots everybody runs. In our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming for us.
“I don’t know why people are running from minor things like that. They should stand and let these people know that even the villagers have the competency and capabilities to defend themselves.”
Magashi however said he was not of the opinion that Nigerians should be allowed to carry firearms for self-defence. He said even in developed countries, the issue is still being debated whether they should withdraw all firearms or not
Magashi said: “… I don’t advise Nigeria to start issuing firearms for personal use.”
