Whenever men take the law into their own hands, the loser is the law. And when the law loses, freedom languishes.

–Robert Kennedy

The Nigerian Army, on Sunday, disclosed that it will no longer tolerate citizens taking laws into their hands, saying that citizens should take recourse to legal measures to solve problems.

This information was contained in a statement signed by Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, Acting Director Defence Information.

The warning from the Army comes on the heels of last week’s violent face-off between Igbo butchers and Hausas in the commercial city of Aba, Abia state.

“The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) hereby warns that it will not condone any unwholesome acts by persons or group seeking to engage in acts that are capable of causing breaking down of law and order in any part of the country.”

“Citizens are advised to refrain from taking laws into their hands and avoid actions that may cause breach to harmonious co-existence. Individuals or groups seeking for relevance should follow the due process in accordance with the law of our land and not through acts of brigandary.

“The DHQ also wishes to advice the general public to ignore inciting pictures, videos and statements posted in some social media platforms which are now confirmed to be the creation of photoshops with the intention of causing disharmony and divisions among different nationalities.”

“The military and the security agencies will continue to sustain the current tempo against terrorists, oil thieves, cattle rustlers and other forms of criminalities and urge all law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses and report any suspicious persons or object to the nearest security post for prompt action.”

Mazi Emeka