From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Oodua Progressive Care Initiative (OPCI), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to initiate a national dialogue on the possibility of legalising firearm ownership for law-abiding citizens as a way of curbing insecurity in the country.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, OPCI President, Dr Maruff Olarewaju, said Nigerians can no longer rely solely on government forces for protection, stressing that communities should be empowered to defend themselves against bandits, kidnappers and other armed criminals.
“We need a radical shift in our approach to security. Legalising firearm ownership for every responsible citizen is the way out,” Olarewaju declared. “By granting citizens the right to bear arms, we can create a deterrent effect against aggressors. Empowered citizens are a crucial component of our national security framework.”
He lamented that states such as Plateau, Kwara, Niger and Borno have witnessed devastating attacks, leaving many residents displaced and communities abandoned. According to him, allowing citizens to legally possess firearms would strengthen local security networks and reduce vulnerability.
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“The alarming rate of banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery shows that despite huge security spending, the situation is not improving. Prohibiting citizens from owning arms has not stopped illegal weapons from circulating,” he said.
Olarewaju insisted that it is time for government to rethink its strategy, adding that regulated firearm ownership would provide citizens with a legitimate means of self-defence and complement security agencies’ efforts.
He urged President Tinubu and other stakeholders to urgently engage Nigerians in a broad conversation on this controversial but pressing issue, warning that continued reliance on the current system will only deepen insecurity across the nation.
