BY ESTHER AKPOTOWHO
With the rise in the spate of crime in Nigeria, the need for individuals and families to take their destinies in their hands and protect themselves from the night hawks and their likes has become imperative. This is based on the fact that the security agents are not as funded as they should be to combat crimes and put criminals especially armed robbers at bay. This is not to assert that our security agents are not working. In fact, the Nigerian police have achieved remarkably well in their duties to nab criminals and bring them to book.
However, there is a plethora of circumstances where the victims of robbery attacks may be too far from rescue from the security agents in charge of such locality. This scenario happens when the logistics guiding quelling such attacks fails. Hence, the victim will have to depend on miracles or fate. While waiting for the delayed response of the security personnel, the robbers might have whisked away valuables and in worst cases leave a tale of blood shed.
The need for firearms to be legalized has generated heated debates among Nigerians. While some Nigerians are of the opinion that easing the hurdles in accessing firearms will help to curb the spate of armed robbery as robbers will have to be well informed before they venture into robbery. This is due to the fact that they may not be aware of who is armed. However, some Nigerians believe that legalising arms in Nigeria will lead to a state of quagmire in the country as cases of gun battle between Nigerians will become a gory tale.
Recently the news of a spectacular occurrence stormed the air waves and was plastered on various social media platforms and online media platform. A member of the house of representatives Abdullahi Salame halted the quest by some men of the underworld who were able to saunter over the tight security of the honourable, gaining entrance into his home to obviously cart away treasures. Unknown to the night marauders, the honourable was well equipped and he did not hesitate to give them a taste of their bitter pills. Unfortunately for the robbers, one lost his life while others were injured. The honourable basked in the fact that he was able to forestall evil that the armed robbers planned against his family.
Although most Nigerians are advocating for the legalization of firearms, it is important to note that not all Nigerians are fit to purchase and own a licensed gun. This category of people who are not considered qualified to possess a gun are alcoholics, smokers, mentally challenged Nigerians, students, underage youths and drug addicts. These people, because of their lifestyle, can use the gun against the dictates of the law.
Although majority of Nigerian citizens are not equipped with fire arms, there are people who have been able to apply for arms specifically aimed at self defense. These are Nigerians holding key political positions and are likely to be under threat from different forces. Even though they have orderlies watching their backs, they are obviously in need of a personal fire arms in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Any Nigerian in possession of personal firearms must have gone through the due process otherwise such possession will be considered illegal and as such the law will take its due course. If you believe you are in dire need of a personal firearm a visit to the Nigerian police force will help you to know the procedures involved. Taking your destiny in your hands to protect yourself has nothing to do with going overboard to engage in illegal possession of firearms. This is because you may end up cooling your heels in jail.
