Centre sensitises traditional, religious leaders on proliferation of small arms in Kaduna
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, North West zone, has sensitised traditional rulers and religious leaders on the effects of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on the society.
This was just as stakeholders at the sensitisation meeting noted that poor governance is responsible for the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
Speaking at the sensitisation programme in Kafanchan, Kaduna State on Wednesday, the zonal Coordinator of the Centre, AVM Haruna Umar Mohammed (retd), said the Centre is mandated to checkmate proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
However, in their separate remarks, the stakeholders urged government to live up to the needs of the citizens in the area of health, education, road infrastructure, and provision of job opportunity for the teeming youth, among others.
This, according to them, will eradicate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the society.
According to the Zonal Coordinator, over 5000 of small arms and light weapons were collected, and 20,000 ammunitions of different calibre were handed over to the Centre in the last few years.
AVM Mohammed however, explained that the Centre was able to recover some of the ammunitions through self surrender, adding that sensitisation exercise is also a major factor that has aided the recovering of the weapons.
According to the Centre Coordinator, “In the whole of these, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, amongst other stakeholders contributed to the success recorded.
“The credit is not only to the security agencies, but even the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) also contributed to the achievement.
“As we speak now, the Centre is heading towards being a Commission, it has passed the first and second reading, and we are just waiting for the presidential assent.
“So, the Centre is soliciting for your support in this struggle to rid our society of illicit weapons for the good of all.”
Meanwhile, one of the participants, Joel Adegboyega urged government to ensure that the chain of supply of the small arms and light weapons is totally blocked, using security structures.