The Catholic Archbishop of Ondo, Bishop Jude Arogundade, has warned that if the Federal Government fails in its duty to protect the citizenry, they will defend themselves.
Arogundade said that it was about time the Federal Government explained to Nigerians what is happening to security of lives and property in the country.
The Arch Bishop gave the warning while speaking on the AIT early morning Programme, Kaakaki monitored by our correspondent on Monday.
The Clergyman was reacting to the mindless massacre of over 50 innocent Catholics at Owo, Ondo State by herdsmen on Sunday.
He stressed that Nigerians may be forced to opt for self help to protect themselves in accordance with the constitutional provision for self defence.
He recalled that a spokesman of the government’s spokesperson once said that the killings in the land would continue unless the people release their land to herdsmen
Bishop Arogundade stressed that the time has come for Nigerians to hold the government accountable to its responsibilities.
He lamented that Nigeria is the only country in world which reward terrorists and criminals and treat law abiding citizens with disdain.
He said, “One of the spokesman of the government had said that if we don’t give our land, the killings will continue. What are we talking about? This is a serious situation.
“I am sorry I think the government should come out and tell us what is going on. It is about time, they have tell us what is going on or else, we will begin to take laws into our hands to protect our selves because in any constitution, the people have the right of self defence.
“We will go to any length to make sure we fight it out and make sure that we do not just sit down and people come and take our lives.
“Some of those killed yesterday were doctors, some of the best hands, the finest of Nigerians were killed yesterday.
“This is the only country where law abiding citizens are treated like shit. And the criminals, those who have been arrested, the terrorists are given the so called rehabilitation going on, and the are given all kinds of things! what kind of country is this? That is my question!
So let us come to that level where we will begin ask the right questions and call our Federal Government accountable.”
He wondered how foreigners could infiltrate the country to massacre innocent law abiding Nigeria with mind boggling impunity when there is a government in the country.
The Bishop advised the government to resign if it lacks the capacity to protect the people of Nigeria.
“People infiltrating our country, people coming here to kill innocent people. What is the meaning of this? Do we not have government? I don’t want to begin to use some bad words but I think the government has a lot of answers to give if they still take themselves as the government of this country.
“We have said it in the past, if the government is not capable, the honourable thing is to resign. My goodness! People do it elsewhere, And let those who are capable come in and handle this situation.
“I am ashamed that anyone will call himself a president of this country,and your citizens are being killed like chicken, and you can still look at the international community in the face.Oh my goodness, I know killings are going on everywhere in the world, but the Nigerian situation is unbelievable.
“This is not what any one wants to believe will happen, in this kind of environment where we have real value for life, where everybody takes care of everybody, where we love one another.”