Akeredolu Knocks Bauchi Governor For Justifying Herdsmen Carrying Guns

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has berated his Bauchi counterpart, Bala Mohammed, for justifying Fulani herdsmen carrying guns.

Naija News had reported that Mohammed said herders carry guns to protect themselves against cattle rustlers who attack, kill and take away their possessions.

He also condemned Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State for handling the farmers and herdsmen clashes poorly and accused Ortom of fuelling the criminalisation of the Fulani tribe in the country.

Reacting, Akeredolu through his Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, condemned the statement credited to Mohammed.

He noted that the statement of the Bauchi governor could lead Nigerians to the next level on the path to anarchy.

Akeredolu said Mohammed had in one breath agreed that indeed Fulani herdsmen carry AK-47 and at the same time encouraging all to do likewise.

He said, “We read with dismay, the outburst in the purported statement by the Bauchi State Governor. We are persuaded to believe he didn’t make that statement.

“If, indeed, he made that statement and owns up to its contents, it then means that the Bauchi State governor has declared on behalf of the Federal Government, an executive order which now allows all Nigerians, herdsmen inclusive, to carry prohibited firearms like assault rifles for self-defence. That is exactly what the governor (Mohammed) has done and displayed by his conduct which brazenly depicts that whether other Nigerians like it or not, herdsmen must carry AK-47 for self-defence while other non-Fulani herdsmen must remain unarmed to be perpetual victims of arms-wielding bandits.”