Attacks, killings will end if arms-bearing is legalised ― Reps member

A member, House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) has called on his colleagues in the National Assembly to make laws that will permit Nigerians to bear arms in order to defend themselves.

Gagdi who is representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency of the state, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Kanam.

The lawmaker shared his experience that he had earlier visited some communities in Kanam and Wase local government areas affected by attacks by gunmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen suspected to be bandits last Sunday invaded some communities in Kanam and Wase, where 106 persons lost their lives and many houses burnt.

According to the lawmaker, legalising the bearing of arms would will address continued attacks and killings in communities.

He, however, said drastic measures must be put in place to control the use of the arms by the citizens.

“If we want curtail the spate of attacks in communities, we should make laws that will permit citizens to carry arms.

“If for instance, those who attacked my people know that the locals also have arms, they won’t come, and even they do, the casualty will not be this high.“But there must be regulation on the use of the arms; anyone who misuses it should be imprisoned or even sentenced to death by hanging.

“But I tell you, if citizens are allowed to carry these arms to protect themselves, all these attacks and killings will end,” he said.

The lawmaker also called on security persons to always work on intelligence reports at their disposals to unsociable behaviors that could lead to security breach.

He further explained that the attacks in his constituency were avoidable provided security agencies acted on the intelligence report at their disposal.

He, however, commended the militray for the swift response and mobilization of personnel to the affected communities.