The Nigerian government has advised its citizens not to be cowards by running away when they see gunmen but come out to face them and defend themselves.
The Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, gave the charge at the sideline of the screening of the Service Chiefs by the House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Wednesday.
“We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits only come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots everybody will rush. In our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming to us.
“I don’t know why people are running away from minor, minor things like that? We should stand and face them. Let these people know that even the villagers they have the competence and capability to defend themselves, but our own duty is to ensure no Nigerian is hurt, or we are capable of protecting the integrity of this nation and we will continue to do it even though we are so stressed,” the Federal government said.
According to the minister, “Is it the responsibility of the Military alone? It is the responsibility of everybody to keep alert and find safety when necessary.
“We have demonstrated our ability to take on the challenge. We have done it in Katsina; when children were kidnapped, within two days, we got them back.
“Hopefully, this time, we will do the same (thing) to get these captives back. We are planning. Only this confirmation, that we have not got feedback on the activities going on in Niger State.
“But I am sure that before the end of the day, we will be given a full brief on what is going on in Niger state,” he assured.
