Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Retired), has renewed his call for the people of Taraba State to take responsibility for their own safety in the face of increasing violence. Speaking at an appreciation event for his staff in Takum, Taraba State, on Friday night, Danjuma urged locals not to rely solely on external help but to prepare to defend themselves from attackers.
His statement comes amid ongoing killings across several Nigerian states, including Benue and Plateau, reportedly carried out by suspected herders. According to the elder statesman, the situation has worsened since he first made a similar call years ago.
“The killings that pushed me to speak out back then have not stopped they’ve only gotten worse,” Danjuma said. “I’m repeating what I said then, but with more urgency. Taraba residents must rise and defend themselves.”
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He emphasized that the attackers appear to be heavily armed and well-prepared, and warned that citizens must be equally ready to protect their lives and land. “The killers have sophisticated weapons. We don’t know where they got them, but you should also try to acquire what you need to defend yourselves. They are human like you. Don’t let them take over your land,” he stressed.
Danjuma’s renewed warning highlights the growing security crisis in Nigeria, especially in rural communities, where many feel abandoned by authorities. The call to defend themselves against killers in Taraba has been a consistent message from the former army chief, who believes communities must be proactive to survive.
This marks at least the second major time that Danjuma has publicly advocated for Taraba residents to defend themselves against killers, reflecting deep concern over the government’s inability to curb the violence.
As insecurity continues to spread, Danjuma’s message reinforces the urgency for local communities to take defensive measures into their own hands. The plea for Taraba residents to defend themselves against killers is gaining renewed attention amid rising tensions in the region.
Security analysts have long warned that unless swift and effective government action is taken, more communities might heed similar advice and arm themselves.
For many, the call to defend themselves against killers in Taraba is no longer just a suggestion it’s becoming a matter of survival.
