A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, has stirred widespread reactions online after a video showed him walking through a bush while holding what appeared to be a firearm and challenging youths in Edo State to confront kidnappers and bandits.
In the viral clip circulating on social media, Agbomhere was seen trekking through a thick forest area, which he claimed was one of the places criminals often hide.
While addressing viewers in the video, he criticised young people who complain about insecurity from the comfort of their homes instead of taking action to protect their communities.
According to him, many youths prefer to stay indoors while security challenges continue to affect different parts of the country.
“Instead of entering inside the bush to chase all the kidnappers out, many of them are sitting inside AC and complaining about insecurity.”
Holding the gun while accompanied by security personnel, the APC chieftain said he decided to enter the bush himself to demonstrate that citizens also have a role to play in tackling insecurity.
He stressed that the fight against kidnappers and bandits cannot be left entirely to security agencies.
“I am here inside the bush. If you say kidnappers are here, we should come out and face them. We cannot just sit down and be complaining.”
Agbomhere further argued that the government alone cannot solve the country’s security challenges, urging residents to take responsibility for protecting their communities.
Social Media Reactions
The video quickly went viral and sparked intense debate among Nigerians online, with many users sharing mixed opinions about his comments.
One user, @BIGTaurusKING, criticised the statement, writing:
“Oga turn your energy to the Nigerian army and police not youths. Mugu.”
Another user, @DonAzag, mocked the video and compared it to a movie audition:
“Make he no be like say I stand for one place. Nice audition for Nollywood.”
@Jocee3543 also raised concerns, pointing to past incidents where individuals who defended their communities faced legal consequences.
“The last guy that defended his people in Benue state is still in prison.”
Another commenter, @quulexx21078, questioned whether the government would support citizens with weapons if they were expected to fight criminals.
“Una give us gun?”
Similarly, @KenEhi7 suggested that the same government might later arrest youths for carrying weapons if they attempted to defend themselves.
“Same APC govt will start to arrest the youth that they are carrying unlicensed weapons, for fighting the bandits.”
Another user, @Xixo, mocked the politician’s speech, saying:
“Listen to the first 03 seconds; ‘make e no be like say I stand 1 place’.”
Several other reactions ranged from sarcastic jokes to serious concerns about security responsibilities. While some users praised the boldness of entering the bush, others argued that tackling kidnappers should remain the responsibility of trained security agencies rather than ordinary citizens.
The debate continues to trend across social media platforms as Nigerians weigh in on the controversial remarks.
Watch the video below…
Published by Ejoh Caleb
