“Allow Us Carry Guns” — Nigerian Farmers Back US Congress Plan for Self-Defence

Nigerian farmers have welcomed a proposal linked to the United States Congress recommending that vulnerable farming communities be allowed to defend themselves against violent attacks.

The development follows renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security crisis after former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over persistent killings and displacement of rural communities.

A congressional panel set up by the United States Congress later submitted findings urging stronger action against armed groups operating in farmlands.

Among its recommendations was the removal of militias from occupied farmlands and support for community-based self-defence under strict regulation.

The suggestion has stirred wide reactions across Nigeria, especially in the Middle Belt and southern farming regions where attacks on farmers have become frequent.

Middle Belt leaders, including the Middle Belt Forum and Mzough U Tiv Worldwide, described the proposal as timely. They argued that rural communities remain exposed and unprotected despite repeated appeals to security agencies.

Leaders said decentralised policing and structured community defence would discourage attackers who exploit weak security presence.

One community leader said farmers should not be left “defenceless while attackers move freely,” stressing that organised local security backed by law would serve as the first line of protection in emergencies.

Farmers’ groups in Plateau State also expressed support. They said many farmers can no longer sleep in their homes or access their farms due to fear of attacks. They called for a regulated framework that allows lawful self-defence without encouraging abuse.

In the South East, a former cassava farmers’ leader narrated how herders destroyed over five hectares of his farmland worth millions of naira without consequences.

He said allowing licensed farmers and vigilante groups to bear arms would deter criminals and restore confidence in food production.

However, some stakeholders warned against rushing into civilian armament. A former commissioner for agriculture in Abia State cautioned that allowing farmers to carry arms could mean opening gun ownership to almost everyone.

He urged the Federal Government to first implement state police and test its effectiveness before expanding self-defence rights.

Women farmers in Zamfara State also expressed concern. They said insecurity is already fueled by widespread weapons in the region and that more arms could worsen tensions. They called instead for stronger rural security, better intelligence, and safer access to markets and farmlands.

Edo farmers joined the call for self-defence, saying farmers are the most targeted group. Local farm leaders argued that regulated gun licensing would discourage attacks and empower communities to protect themselves.

Economic and security analysts, however, insisted that intelligence gathering and technology such as drones and surveillance must be prioritised over arming civilians. They said self-defence alone cannot solve the root causes of rural violence.

Legal experts also noted that Nigeria’s constitution does not grant citizens the right to bear arms. Firearm ownership remains controlled under existing laws, with licences issued only by designated authorities.

However, the debate now places pressure on the Federal Government to balance food security, public safety, and constitutional limits while addressing the growing threats faced by farmers nationwide.