The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) yesterday called for government to liberalise policy on gun ownership in efforts to stem violent attacks on citizens.

Speaking at a press conference, NMA president, Dr Osahon Enabulele, said "in view of psychological fear factor among criminals or vandals, liberal gun ownership will curb criminality among hoodlums."

He refuted observations that the call for more liberal policies on arms ownership was a "call for anarchy" considering the security situation of the country, which the association blamed on "mass poverty and the worsening socio-economic situation and equality, class oppression, massive unemployment and years of monumental corruption and poor governance."

Enabulele said good governance remained a lasting panacea to unemployment problem saying there is "room to consider gun ownership policy in the same manner as state police is being considered."

A need for liberal gun ownership policy was among resolutions NMA reached after its executives met early this month in Owerri coming amidst concerns that "several doctors have been kidnapped even while on emergency and call duty within hospital premises."

In addition to liberalised gun ownership, NMA wants government to establish police posts or stations in public hospitals and health facilities, saying they have become "ready targets of kidnappers and criminals."