By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to review the country’s firearm laws to allow responsible citizens to own guns over rising insecurity in the country, especially across Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states.
This was contained in a motion sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South Senatorial District, entitled ‘Urgent need to address escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States.’
The motion highlighted recent attacks on schools, worship centres, and rural communities in the states, citing specifically the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, where two worshippers were killed and 38 others abducted.
According to the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Nigeria’s firearm laws should reflect current security challenges, similar to over 175 countries where responsible citizens are permitted to own guns.
The senators stressed that immediate federal action is needed to curb the rising wave of banditry, kidnappings, and violent crimes.
The lawmakers warned that mass school abductions and persistent raids have forced closures of schools, including 47 unity schools, disrupting the education of thousands of children.
The Senate commended President Bola Tinubu for cancelling foreign trips to coordinate security responses, which led to the release of 38 abductees in Kwara State and 51 students in Niger State.
It also called on communities in the affected states and across Nigeria to remain vigilant, united, and supportive of security agencies while resisting internal collaborators who undermine national safety.
Recall that Nigeria has been battling an escalating security crisis in recent weeks, characterised by a wave of bandit attacks and mass kidnappings.
