Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on the Federal Government to consider allowing individuals to purchase and own weapons such as AK-47 rifles and RPGs for self-defense. The governor made this statement during a media chat held in Abuja on Friday.
Governor Radda argued that if bandits, who are causing widespread insecurity in the country, have access to the market to acquire weapons, individuals should also be permitted to own such weapons for self-defense.
He expressed his perspective, saying, “If a bandit can go to the market and buy AK-47, RPG, and all of those weapons, what about the people that want to protect themselves? They, too, should be equally allowed to do so. These people are holding it illegally; we are trying to hold it legally. Why can’t the government allow the people to hold these weapons and equally confront the challenges?”
Governor Radda firmly stated that negotiations with bandits are not a viable option in his view, but he did acknowledge a willingness to consider discussions if the bandits were to voluntarily surrender their arms and express a desire for reintegration into society.
He also highlighted the limitations faced by state governors in terms of commanding the military, police, or civil defense. These security forces receive their orders from higher authorities, and governors often lack direct authority over them.
Governor Radda elaborated on the security measures implemented within Katsina State, including the establishment of an intelligence unit within the Katsina Community Watch Corps. This intelligence unit operates discreetly, and its primary purpose is to monitor the activities of the Watch Corps while also gathering valuable information.
The governor’s call for individual weapon ownership for self-defense is part of a broader discussion regarding security measures and strategies in addressing the complex security challenges facing the country.
