On April 16, 2025, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, a former PDP Presidential Aspirant, appeared on TVC News Nigeria with host Yori Folarin to address the escalating violence in Nigeria, following President Tinubu’s marching orders in response to the brutal Benue killings. The discussion came in the wake of a horrific attack on Sunday night in Zik Hamlet, Plateau State, where 52 people were reportedly killed in a midnight invasion. Corpses of victims were recovered, some taken back to the community, while others lay abandoned by the roadside. The atmosphere in Zik Hamlet is one of profound grief, with wailing, soberness, and simmering anger gripping the community.

Dr. Anakwenze emphasized the critical link between security and economic prosperity, declaring, “You can’t have economic growth when you don’t have strong security! Nobody will come to invest! Nobody is going to visit for fear of being kidnapped and shot.” He called for a robust overhaul of Nigeria’s security apparatus, urging the use of advanced technology such as helicopters and drones to equip the military and police. “They need to have the capacity to enforce peace in Nigeria,” he stressed, adding that the global Black community looks to Nigeria to fulfill its potential as a “Super Star” and leader among Black nations. “We have to get it right,” he insisted.

Addressing speculation about the perpetrators, labeled as “unknown gunmen,” Anakwenze made a startling claim: the violence is largely driven by foreign herdsmen from Central African Republic, Cameroon, Niger, and Mali. He alleged these groups are sponsored to invade Nigeria, kill local farmers, and seize their lands. “They are killing local farmers to occupy their land,” he said, advocating for arming traditional structures like kings, chiefs, and vigilantes to protect communities. “All villages in Nigeria with Kings and Chiefs structure must be adequately armed to protect their lives and properties. If the town is not strong enough, then the local government should be. We need to stop talking and act!” he demanded. Anakwenze linked the violence to Nigeria’s growing hunger crisis, noting that farmers are too afraid to work their fields due to the constant threat of attacks, including the rape and murder of women and children. “That cannot be tolerated anymore,” he declared.

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On the issue of Fulani herdsmen, whose cattle often destroy crops, Anakwenze proposed a radical solution: confine cattle rearing to the North, particularly in states like Kano with vast landmasses. “This is why I suggested trains should connect all the state capitals. Ship these cattle via train, and they arrive in the capitals in the morning,” he explained, ensuring herdsmen avoid trampling through farmlands. As a farmer himself, he expressed frustration, stating, “I won’t want anybody coming to eat my crops.” He highlighted the North’s expansive land, “three to four times larger than the South,” and suggested irrigation projects to support grass growth for cattle. “We are not against cows, but we don’t want somebody raising cows, raping our women, killing our people,” he clarified.

Anakwenze reiterated his call for arming communities, proposing that vigilantes, supervised by police and security agencies like the DSS, be established nationwide. “All kings need to be made in charge, vigilantes of all the villages, town unions, and local government have to be armed and supervised,” he said, presenting this as the definitive solution to Nigeria’s security crisis.

When asked how Nigerians can defend themselves, Anakwenze pointed to successful models in parts of the country, particularly Anambra State. He noted that Fulani herdsmen often carry AK-47s, flouting laws that prohibit civilians from bearing arms. “You have to be a fool to sit down and don’t do something,” he said, advocating for trained vigilantes, not random civilians, to work alongside police and DSS. In Anambra, he explained, the state legislature has legalized vigilantes who are trained by security forces and often protect police stations from attacks. “When these criminals come, the police run away, but the vigilantes step up and defend the police station from being burned down,” he revealed, urging other states to adopt this model. “If you are waiting for the police to come from 100 miles, you are wasting your time,” he warned.

Commenting on President Tinubu’s marching orders, Anakwenze singled out Fulani herdsmen as the most dangerous threat, distinguishing them from local kidnappers. “We know we have locals who kidnap people too, but we are able to crack down on them,” he said, citing Anambra’s success in driving out local criminals through coordinated efforts between villagers, security forces, and vigilantes. However, he described foreign herdsmen with AK-47s, hiding in bushes and striking at night, as a far greater challenge. “That is more dangerous!” he cautioned, urging the need for immediate, decisive action to protect Nigerians.

As the nation grapples with this wave of violence, Dr. Anakwenze’s fiery remarks have sparked debate, with his call for armed vigilantes and regional cattle management drawing both support and scrutiny. The crisis in Plateau and beyond calls for urgent need for solutions to restore peace and security across Nigeria.