Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Sports, has described an unexpected and troubling encounter he once had with a bandit during a browsing session on TikTok. In an interview with News Central, he recalled how the platform suddenly connected him with a young man who introduced himself as a bandit trained in the bush. Dalung questioned him about the killings and raids that have devastated many communities. The young man claimed the violence was a response to earlier attacks by vigilantes who, according to him, killed their people and seized their cattle.
Dalung challenged the logic behind these actions, pointing out that bandits also attack fellow Fulanis and steal their livestock. The young man replied that only those living in the bush counted as true Fulanis in their eyes. Anyone residing in town was viewed as an outsider and would be treated as an enemy if encountered.
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Dalung then asked what could be done to bring the violence to an end. The bandit hinted that they were willing to consider a negotiated disarmament. The calm manner in which he made these statements left a strong impression on Dalung, who described the confidence of the young man as deeply unsettling.
Reflecting on the encounter, Dalung urged the National Assembly to revisit the constitution and consider provisions that would allow citizens to legally bear arms for self-defense, arguing that many Nigerians now feel exposed in the face of growing insecurity.
