Nigerians have expressed displeasure over the comments of Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, that Fulani herdsmen have no choice other than to go about with AK-47 rifle.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2021 Press Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, on Thursday, the governor justified the use of AK-47 by Fulani herdsmen, saying they have no choice.

“And now, the Fulani man is practising the tradition of trans-human pastoralism. He has been exposed to the dangers of the forests, the animals, and now, the cattle rustlers who carry guns, kill him, and take away his commonwealth, his cows. He had no option than to carry AK47 and defend himself because the society and the government are not protecting him,” Mohammed said.

But Nigerians have expressed displeasure over the governor’s comment. A Twitter user who referred to Bala as “Boko Haram commander” wrote: “I agree with you, and still standing on the already established premise. Nigerians should carry whatever arms (AKs, M16, Tarvo) they like. After all, the security system doesn’t guarantee our safety anymore.”

@SenBalaMohammed I agree with you, and still standing on the already established premise, Nigerians should carry whatever arms (AKs, M16, Tarvo) they like, after all the security system doesn't guarantee our safety anymore.
Boko Haram Commander!!!!

— ᴋᴏɴʀᴀᴅᴇ (@Komrade_Konrade) February 12, 2021

Reginald Onyenwe, another social media user, asked the governor some questions: “Who funds the purchase of the weapons? What is the link between the herders and the sellers of these weapons? If the herders don’t have option but to be armed, why, then, is it unlawful for every citizen to also bear arms?”

Quick questions: 1) Who funds the purchase of these weapons? 2) Who is the link btw the herders and the sellers of these weapons? 3) If the herders don't have option but to be armed, why then is it unlawful for every citizen to also bear arms? The IGP & Govnr, over to you!!!

— Reginald Onyenwe (@ReginaldOnyenwe) February 12, 2021

My Brother,Bauchi Governor’s justification for AK47 amounts to baptizing infamy.

My Brother,Bauchi Governor’s justification for AK47 amounts to baptizing infamy.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) February 12, 2021

Originally developed by the Soviet Union in 1947, the AK-47 has been responsible for about 100million deaths globally.