Bwala: Nigerian Government Vows to End Killings as Citizens Retain Right to Self-Defence
The Nigerian government is determined to bring an end to the spate of killings across the country, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared.
Bwala made the assertion on Wednesday while reacting to the recent invasion of LA Primary School in Esiele community, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted teachers and pupils on Friday.
Speaking on the incident, Bwala acknowledged the pain and public outrage that follows such attacks but expressed confidence that the killings would eventually be curtailed through government efforts, divine intervention, and collective participation by Nigerians.
“Solution is what we all look to. Evil men operate anywhere in the world, no matter how tight you are as a government,” he said. “You do your best and expect that with the help of God and collective participation of the people through collective intelligence we will be able to put an end to it.”
He noted that Nigerians would continue to complain, cry, and mourn whenever lives are lost, adding: “We will put an end to this as a people.”
Bwala linked the surge in violence during election periods to what he described as a “crisis economy,” observing that similar spikes occurred ahead of elections in 2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026, as certain elements exploit the situation. He, however, maintained that the collective will and spirit of Nigerians would ultimately prevail.
On the issue of self-defence, the presidential aide stressed that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to protect themselves and their families.
“The constitution has guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self defence. You have the right to defend yourself,” he said. “When your right, my right, and that of my neighbour is put together, it becomes collective right to defend ourselves.”
Bwala added: “If you come to my house to try to kill me, any lethal weapon I use to defend myself is guaranteed by the constitution.”
He also highlighted the role of community vigilance, citing vigilante groups and paramilitary organisations in states like Borno that provide intelligence to security agencies. While noting restrictions on bearing certain arms, he said Nigerians could collectively apply to the government for coordinated self-defence initiatives.
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