Keyamo Warns Against ‘Vote Protection’ Violence, Says Armed Thugs May Be Neutralised

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned Nigerians against taking up arms or engaging in violence under the guise of protecting their votes during elections.

Keyamo, in an X statement on Tuesday, accused some politicians of encouraging vulnerable citizens and thugs to engage in violence while allegedly ensuring that their own children are safely out of the country.

He recalled a warning former President Muhammadu Buhari issued ahead of the 2019 general election, which he said he supported then and still supports.

According to Keyamo, anyone who resorts to self-help, takes up dangerous weapons in the name of protecting votes and attacks others should expect law enforcement agencies to respond within the bounds of their duties.

He said security personnel could “neutralise” or “put down” such individuals in the course of restoring law and order.

Keyamo further criticised politicians who, according to him, encourage ordinary citizens to risk their lives while their own children remain in safe locations abroad.

“After safely ferrying their children abroad, some unscrupulous politicians are encouraging hapless citizens and thugs to take up weapons to kill one another under the pretext of ‘protecting their votes’,” he said.

The minister urged citizens to take his warning seriously, stressing that those who choose to engage in violent self-help after being cautioned would bear responsibility for their actions.

“Having been forewarned, you can then go ahead and exercise your options,” Keyamo added.