Comrade (Amb.) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, a human rights activist in Warri, Delta State, warned on Thursday that legalizing firearms for ordinary citizens could further destabilize society. He made the statement in a message sent to our correspondent in Warri.
Agberen stressed that any policy allowing gun ownership must come with strict regulations and enforcement to prevent worsening the already fragile security situation in the country. He emphasized that such rules need to be properly implemented in Nigeria and followed by all citizens.
He noted that while many people feel the government should allow licensed firearms because of rising insecurity and the authorities’ failure to protect citizens, legally licensed guns are typically accessible in stable, well-governed countries where state systems function effectively. In such environments, citizens can thrive, and crime is discouraged.
Agberen explained that in a volatile and underdeveloped setting—where basic services like unemployment support, industrialization, social security, and welfare are lacking—the risks of guns falling into the wrong hands are high, and insecurity is likely to worsen.
He added that these conditions could complicate law enforcement’s work, potentially prompting individuals to take the law into their own hands, which could raise death rates among young people even without proper judicial processes.
“Another serious concern is the potential rise in gun-related violence, especially as we are already dealing with issues like cultism, armed robbery, and banditry,” Agberen said.
Read also: Delta Leaders Mourn Oscar Ibru: High-Profile Figures Attend Funeral in Ughelli
