Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, believes that the Nigerian government should permit individuals to purchase and possess weapons like AK-47 rifles and RPGs for their own protection.
Governor Radda argues that if criminals can easily buy weapons in the market, then law-abiding citizens should have the same right to defend themselves.
He says, “If bandits can go to the market and buy AK-47s, RPGs, and other weapons, why can’t people who want to protect themselves do the same? They should have the opportunity to do so.”
He adds, “These criminals are obtaining weapons illegally, but we want to obtain them legally. Why can’t the government allow us to have these weapons and face the challenges we are dealing with?”
Governor Radda firmly believes that negotiating with bandits is not the solution. However, he suggests that if the bandits decide to surrender their weapons and seek peace, they could be reintegrated into society.
He explains, “As governors, we are responsible for the security of our states, but we don’t have the authority to command the military, police, or civil defense. They receive orders from higher authorities.”
