Â鶹Éç

Available for over a year

Nigeria’s military has urged Plateau state residents not to arm themselves despite a call from some local politicians to do so in the face of rising violence.The state, in central Nigeria, has suffered years of deadly ethnic and religious violence. More than 60 people have been killed in various attacks this month. Last week, Plateau’s parliament said as the security forces could no longer guarantee people’s safety, they should take up arms.It is not the first of Nigeria’s states to encourage civilians to defend themselves as security worsens nationwide - in particular with relation to kidnapping gangs. Focus on Africa's Bola Mosure has been talking to Â鶹Éç's Ishaq Khalid. (Photo: Calls for civilians to take up arms have been causing controversy. Credit: Getty Images)