Table of Contents
- Activist's Statement
- Gun Ownership Policy
- Volatile Environment Concerns
- Law Enforcement Issues
- Concerns About Gun Violence
A human rights activist in Warri, Delta State, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, stated on Thursday that legalizing firearms for citizens could further fragment society. Agberen made this assertion in a statement sent to DAILY POST.
He emphasized that any policy regarding gun ownership must be accompanied by stringent regulations and enforcement to ensure it does not worsen the already critical security situation in the country.
Agberen noted that such regulations and their enforcement should be effectively implemented across Nigeria and adhered to by its citizens.
“While many citizens argue that it is essential for the Federal Government of Nigeria to allow the licensed use of firearms due to increasing insecurity and the government's failure to protect its citizens at all levels, firearms are legally licensed and available in stable and developed environments where the government has established effective governance and smooth operations, thereby enabling citizens to prosper and discouraging criminal activities,” he stated.
According to him, “In a volatile and underdeveloped environment, where basic necessities that the government should provide—such as unemployment benefits, industrialization, social security, welfare benefits, and other essential services for survival—are lacking, there is a significant risk of these weapons falling into the wrong hands, which will only exacerbate the existing insecurity crisis.”
Agberen explained that, “These underlying issues can complicate the role of law enforcement, potentially leading individuals to take the law into their own hands instead of relying on state security, which may also result in increased death rates among young people without a fair trial.”
“Another significant concern is the potential rise in gun-related violence, especially as we are already facing issues such as cultism, armed robbery, and banditry.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Agberen oppose the legalization of firearms?
Agberen believes that legalizing firearms could further divide society and exacerbate the current security crisis, especially in a volatile environment where basic needs are unmet.
What regulations does Agberen suggest for gun ownership?
He suggests that any policy on gun ownership should include strict regulations and enforcement measures to ensure safety and prevent misuse of firearms.
What are the concerns about law enforcement mentioned by Agberen?
Agberen points out that the lack of effective governance may lead individuals to take the law into their own hands, complicating law enforcement's role and potentially increasing violence.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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