Return Of Firearms Order Absurd – Ezeokafor
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By Nedum Noble
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has criticized the return of firearms directive recently issued by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, describing the order as suspicious and absurd.
He said the directive was not needed in the Southeast where local vigilante operatives had been effective.
Speaking at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, during a second term thanksgiving Mass organized in honour of Governor Willie Obiano, the Prelate queried the rationale behind the move in view of the insecurity bedevilling the nation.
According to the bishop, asking people to surrender their guns is to leave them at the mercy of their enemies, insisting that such directives would be more effective in the Northeast.
“Even if such order would have an effect, it should not be extended to the South, especially Southeast, where local vigilante operatives had helped a great deal in fighting hoodlums with their dane guns and pump action rifles.
“I doubt if a state like Anambra has need for such directive. Anambra is one of the, if not the most secured, state in Nigeria. Why try to deprive us this security we are enjoying down here? Why ask the the vigilante operatives to return their guns?
‘I think they should allow reasonable and responsible individuals to own guns.
Bishop Ezeokafor said he could not believe such orders came from the IGP until he read it on the pages of Newspapers.
“Return of firearms? What for? I don’t think it is necessary at this stage considering what you and I are passing through in this country.
“This is a country where people are killed and maimed on daily basis. Police, rather than talk about how to put a stop to the issue insecurity in the country, they are busy asking poor vigilante operatives and responsible individuals to return their firearms. I will not support such a move,” he added.
