Crime

Amotekun Nabs Man over Ilegal Possession of Firearms

By Web News 758

By Adenitan Akinola

The operatives of Osun Amotekun Corps have arrested a 27-year-old man, Oyelade Lukman, over illegal possession of firearms.

Lukman was arrested in possession of illegal firearms at Ajijola Anabi area, Ede, Osun State.

He was apprehended after a complaint was lodged against him by the residents of the area and the operatives of Amotekun swung into action which led to his arrest.

The firearms found in his possession were two long barrels guns, one locally Iron made Revolver 7 rounds barrels gun cut to size, 1 locally made revolver 4 rounds barrel gun cut to size, and 1 locally iron-made double barrel gun cut to size.

Confirming the arrests, the Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi said the suspect was arrested in the middle of the night following complaint lodged against him by the residents of the area over his possession of firearms and conduct of illegal activities.

The suspect had been handed over to the Police for further Investigation and prosecution.

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Politics

Mattawalle’s firearms advice came out of frustration – Okowa

By Web News 401

The Delta State governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, says the party is poised to take back the governorship seat in the July 16 Osun State election.

Governor Okowa, who spoke to State House correspondents shortly after he met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo , at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

He also faulted the proposal by his Zamfara State counterpart, Bello Matawalle, that state residents should bear firearms to defend themselves from terrorists.

Fielding question on how prepared his party, the PDP was in the forthcoming Osun governorship election, he said “A lot is being done. We look forward to the elections. I’m sure the APC would expect a stiff competition. We agree that they are the government in power in that state but they will be definitely expecting a very stiff competition from us. We are poised to take back that state.”

On Matawalle’s proposition for state citizens to take up arms, he faulted the idea saying, though birthed out of frustration, it would have telling consequences for the overall security of the region.

Okowa said, “I think they need critical thinking because you have to also be in a position to examine the recommendations being made. When recommendations are made and you have not thought through it in full about the consequences of such, then it is also a problem.”

The governor argued that with the insecurity biting hard, the government must address insecurity holistically, with a long-term strategy in mind.

Vanguard/Maxwell Oyekunle

Security

Embargo on Firearms Licence Still Intact – Police

By Web News 411

In response to the statement issued by the Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, on Sunday, that the government had directed residents of the state to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against bandits who have been terrorizing the state, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana, has said the embargo on firearms licence is still in force.

Mr Elkana while responding to the directives of the State Government noted that the police have stopped issuing licence to citizens who wished to own guns.

 In the statement issued by the state commissioner for Information, The government, therefore, directed the state Commissioner of Police to issue licences to all those who qualify and are willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.

Dosara had said, “Government has, henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits, as the government has directed the state commissioner of police to issue a license to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves.

“Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers, to secure basic weapons for defending themselves. The government has already concluded an arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.

“People must apply to the Commissioner of Police to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves. A secretariat or centre will be established for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.”

But reacting to the directive, the state commissioner of police said he has yet to receive any directive to issue gun licences to the people.

Elkana, in a telephone interview, said, “I have not received any directives and also, there is a ban on firearms licence and we don’t give licence.

“I am yet to receive any directive. Let me see the directive first before I can comment. I have not seen the directive, so I cannot comment on compliance.”

Asked if the government’s decision was a vote of no confidence in the police, the CP replied, “There is nothing like a vote of no confidence, please. This is a farming season and you cannot get police or any security to be following everybody to the farm. They are attacking people on the farm; that is the problem. It is not as if we are not doing our best; we are doing our best. Of recent, we rescued many people (from bandits).”

When contacted on the issue, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, declined comment on the matter.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko