Nigeria: Should Citizens Be Allowed to Own Guns?

4 November 2012
opinion

The rising case of insecurity in the country has given room for many debates, one of which included the creation of state police to tackle the spate of general insecurity in the country. However, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) added a new twist to the whole debate when it recently called the Federal Government to consider the relaxation of gun ownership laws as a way to reduce crime. In other words, he wanted more private citizens to have access to guns. Michael Oche examines the scenario.

"It will lead to anarchy" was the first response by Dr. Emmanuel Oga when the question was thrown to him. The suspicion however was suppressed by the NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, who argued that "in view of psychological fear factor among criminals or vandals, liberal gun ownership will curb criminality among hoodlums." The NMA's call for arms in private hands is premised on deterrence, that potential perpetrators are less likely to attack if they know their victims bear arms.

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