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Self-defence: Ban on firearms still in force, CP warns Matawalle

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2022

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana

The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana, has said the embargo on firearms licence is still in force, noting that the police have stopped issuing licence to citizens who wished to own guns.

The police boss stated this, on Sunday, in response to inquiries from The PUNCH about the directive by the state government that the police command should issue gun licence to those eligible to bear arms.

The Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, had in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that the government had directed residents of the state to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against bandits who have been terrorising the state.

The government, therefore, directed the state Commissioner of Police to issue licence to all those who qualify and are willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.

Dosara had said, “Government has, henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits, as the government has directed the state commissioner of police to issue a license to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves.

“Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers, to secure basic weapons for defending themselves. The government has already concluded an arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.

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“People must apply to the Commissioner of Police to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves. A secretariat or centre will be established for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.”

But reacting to the directive, the state commissioner of police said he has yet to receive any directive to issue gun licences to the people.

Elkana, in a telephone interview with The PUNCH said, “I have not received any directives and also, there is a ban on firearms licence and we don’t give licence.

“I am yet to receive any directive. Let me see the directive first before I can comment. I have not seen the directive, so I cannot comment on compliance.”

Asked if the government’s decision was a vote of no confidence on the police, the CP replied, “There is nothing like vote of no confidence, please. This is farming season and you cannot get police or any security to be following everybody to the farm. They are attacking people on the farm; that is the problem. It is not as if we are not doing our best; we are doing our best. Of recent, we rescued many people (from bandits).”

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, declined comment on the matter when contacted.

Ogun State differs

The Ogun State Government also says it is not planning to allow residents of the state to carry arms and defend themselves in the face of insecurity in the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Olusola Subar, said this while speaking with one of our correspondents in Abeokuta on Sunday.

“There is no plan in Ogun State here that I know of to direct the police or citizens to be giving licence to bear arms,” he said.

Ekiti State

The Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezar Ogundana (retd.), has said the situation of the state could not get to the extent of where everybody would be required to bear arms.

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Ogundana, in an interview with The PUNCH, said, “We cannot get to that level, because when you say everybody should go and get arms to defend themselves, you are creating panic that the government is not in control and you are creating panic that the environment is not safe.”

Abia State

Answering questions from The PUNCH in Umuahia on if the state will follow Zamfara State’s plans to liberalise gun purchase, the Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo said, “What successfully applies in one location may not necessarily be the solution in another location, but what is paramount in our mind as a government, is to ensure the security and welfare of our citizens.”

Experts foresee anarchy

Security experts have, however, warned against the implementation of the directive, describing it as an invitation to anarchy.

One of them, Timothy Avele, said the Zamfara state government should anticipate a high number of extrajudicial killings as a result of the directive.

“It’s a direct call for anarchy at the highest level. You can’t imagine the kind of extrajudicial killings that would result from this current governor’s statement.

“It simply shows the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and the military have failed woefully,” he said.

Another security expert, Jackson Ojo, said the Zamfara State government directive was against the law of the land.

“What the Zamfara State Governor has just declared is like a mutiny. Under which law does the government of Zamfara State permit its indigenes to bear arms?” Ojo wondered.

Related Topics:CP Featured firearms Matawalle self-defence

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Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide

Published

26 seconds ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide

Dangote Refinery has announced a partnership with MRS to make Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, available at ₦935 per litre nationwide through MRS retail outlets.

This development follows the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) recent move to lower petrol prices below ₦1,000 per litre.

In a statement shared on Saturday via X, the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, praised President Bola Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira-for-crude swap initiative on the Nigerian economy. He noted that the policy had contributed to a reduction in the cost of petroleum products.

“To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

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“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre,” the statement read.

Dangote further revealed that the new pricing had already been implemented in Lagos and would be extended nationwide starting Monday.

He urged other oil marketers, including NNPC Retail, to collaborate to ensure Nigerians benefit from affordable and high-quality petrol.

“The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high-quality petrol at cheaper prices,” Dangote stated.

“Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high-quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.”

The naira-for-crude initiative was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in September under President Tinubu’s administration. The policy, which came into effect on October 1, has eased demand for the dollar and helped stabilize the naira, contributing to the reduction in fuel prices.

Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide

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How another Nigerian allegedly murdered by four South Africans

Published

15 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

How another Nigerian allegedly murdered by four South Africans

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa has condemned the alleged murder of another Nigerian, 37-year-old Julius Chukwunta, by four South Africans.

The native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State was reportedly attacked on December 7, 2024 while driving to his residence.

Chukwunta stayed in Midrand Protea Estate until his death.

NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

According to him, after attempting to pass through, he was met with resistance, prompting him to seek help at the security office.

Onyekwelu said: “At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

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“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu confirmed that the case, reported by Chukwunta’s partner, had been registered at the Midrand Police Station under file number: 262/12/2024.

He said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

He added: “The court proceedings on December 18, 2024 saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail.

“The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu expressed disappointment at the proceedings and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.

How another Nigerian allegedly murdered by four South Africans

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Ibadan, Abuja, Anambra stampedes: IG orders probe, threatens prosecution of organisers

Published

40 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun

Ibadan, Abuja, Anambra stampedes: IG orders probe, threatens prosecution of organisers

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has voiced worry about the unorganised distribution of palliatives and humanitarian supplies across Nigeria during the festive season.

In recent days, a number of regrettable instances have underlined the need for a more structured and secure approach to aid distribution.

On December 18, 2024, a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, killed 35 children and gravely injured many others.

Another horrific tragedy occurred on December 21, 2024, when ten people died in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, where food was being provided to the elderly and weak. Several others suffered wounds.

Similarly, a palliative distribution ceremony sponsored by benefactor Obi Jackson in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, ended in mayhem, killing three people and injuring many more.

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Addressing media in Abuja on Saturday, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to investigate the situation for possible legal action.

He said, “The IGP emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals, and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.

“The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.

“In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organised framework for distributing palliatives.

“The IGP has ordered the commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidents for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, sympathises with the bereaved families and wishes those injured a quick recovery.”

He added that the organisers of this charity are criminally accountable, citing clauses in Nigeria’s Penal and Criminal Codes.

Adejobi said, “The IGP has hereby warned groups and organisers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies, as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”