Why I Called for the Legalisation of Firearms in Nigeria

Let me begin this contribution with a quote from former U.S. President Donald Trump. He once said:
“We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism, and we will not allow it to take root in our country… we will wipe it off the face of the earth.”

I agree with most of his views, particularly his passionate stance on national security. I, too, share a similar conviction about the need to protect one’s people from terror and insecurity.

 

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In Nigeria today, the greatest threat to our peaceful coexistence is the barbarity of terrorists such as Boko Haram and the rampant attacks of murderous militias commonly identified as Fulani herdsmen. These groups have repeatedly unleashed unspeakable violence on innocent Nigerians, especially in rural communities, targeting defenceless women, children, and the elderly.

These killers move freely with AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons, while law-abiding Nigerians are left defenceless during their attacks. It is heartbreaking to see innocent citizens being slaughtered while they remain powerless to defend themselves.

Recently, a former Minister of Defence and one-time Governor of Bauchi State, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.), advocated for Fulani herdsmen to be allowed to carry arms to defend themselves against bandits and other criminals. His view was that it is reasonable for them to bear arms in self-defence.

If that argument stands, then it is only fair and logical that members of local communities, farmers, and other ordinary Nigerians should equally be given the right to defend themselves against those who attack them.

Even in the United States of America, the right to bear arms is protected under the Second Amendment of their Constitution. It allows citizens to protect themselves from threats when their security is compromised.

It is on this basis that I call on members of the National Assembly to urgently consider passing a law that will allow Nigerians to own firearms for the sole purpose of self-defence. If ordinary Nigerians were allowed to possess firearms responsibly, these acts of genocide, mass killings, and atrocities being committed against our people would reduce drastically.

We cannot continue to rely solely on government security agencies that are often overstretched or, at times, compromised. We, the people, must have the means to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Anything short of this is unacceptable, genocidal, and utterly suicidal. It is time for Nigerians to complement the efforts of government to safeguard the nation.

May God hear our cry and deliver Nigeria from bloodthirsty terrorists and killers.

My name is Sanco Ese,
I am God’s Pen of Intervention.