INSECURITY: ALLOW CITIZENS ACCESS TO AK-47, RPG -KATISTINA GOV

Insecurity: FG Should Allow Every Nigerian Access To AK-47, RPG For Self-defense -Katsina Governor

The Governor of Katsina State Umaru Dikko Radda, has asked the Federal Government to allow individuals to buy and own weapons such as AK-47 rifles and RPGs for self-defence.

“If a bandit can go to the market and buy an AK-47, RPG, and all of those weapons, what of the people that want to protect themselves?

Governor Radda stated this during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, he argued that if the bandits wreaking havoc across the country could have access to the market to purchase weapons, individuals should be allowed to own theirs.

“These people are holding it illegally; we are trying to hold it legally. Why can’t the government allow the people to hold this thing and equally confront the challenges?

“If a bandit can go to the market and buy AK-47, RPG, and all of those weapons, what about the people that want to protect themselves? They, too, should be equally allowed to do so.

He further said: “Negotiation with bandits is a no-go area from my perspective, but I said if I am at the point of advantage―if the bandits come out and say, ‘Look, we are dropping arms, let us sit down and talk’―we could reintegrate them back into society.”

Reacting to the Governor’s statement a security expert who chose to speak under the condition of anonymity said:

“I support the governor’s argument that freedom comes through the ability of citizens to access firearms. I believe that when people are allowed to own firearms, they are better able to protect themselves and their families.

They are also less likely to be intimidated by bandits or other criminals.

In addition, when people are allowed to own firearms, they feel more secure and independent.
This leads to a more positive sense of freedom and safety.”

“In addition to providing a sense of security and freedom, the ability of citizens to own firearms can also act as a check on tyranny and abuse of power. When people have the ability to defend themselves, they are less likely to be oppressed by those in power.

This can lead to a more just and equitable society, where everyone’s rights are respected.”

Continuing, he said: “The ability of citizens to own firearms is essential to freedom, security, and justice.

As Thomas Jefferson said, ‘No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.’ And also as James Madison said, ‘The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.’ By providing citizens with the ability to defend themselves, we can create a society that is more free, more secure, and more just for all.”

“it is also important to consider the potential dangers and risks associated with allowing citizens to own firearms.

While it may increase a sense of freedom and security, it could also lead to more gun-related violence and accidents.

“So what we should consider is how we might create a culture of responsibility and safety around firearms.

This could involve things like education campaigns, public service announcements, and other forms of outreach.

By promoting safe and responsible gun ownership, we could reduce the potential risks while still allowing citizens to exercise their right to bear arms.