Apostle Suleman Urges FG to Admit Security Failure, Calls on Nigerians to Defend Themselves

Prominent Nigerian cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has issued a scathing critique of the Federal Government over the country’s deteriorating security situation, calling on citizens—particularly in Benue State—to defend themselves if the government cannot provide protection.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Suleman expressed outrage over the relentless violence and killings in Benue and other regions, declaring that Nigeria’s security system has effectively collapsed.

“If the federal government knows it’s overwhelmed or its security architecture has failed, they should be humble enough to tell the citizens,” he wrote.

Apostle Suleman stressed that self-defense is a constitutional right and urged Nigerians to act if the government fails in its fundamental responsibility to safeguard lives and property.

“Self-defense is enshrined in the constitution. I said it when I went to Jos and Benue. We can’t watch this to continue,” he stated.

Directly addressing the people of Benue State, where deadly attacks by armed groups have persisted, Suleman encouraged residents not to remain passive in the face of violence.

“People of Benue, defend yourself. What is happening in Benue State is evil, barbaric, and a mayhem,” he said.

The cleric also took a swipe at political leaders already focused on the 2027 elections while security challenges remain unaddressed in 2025.

“It’s ridiculous that people are thinking of 2027 whilst mayhem is being unleashed in 2025 on citizens they are supposed to govern. What happened to your humanity?” he questioned.

Suleman ended his post with a somber note: “There was a country…” — a phrase evoking deep disappointment over the state of the nation.