• Nigerians react
Senator Ned Nwoko has once again stepped forward to champion the necessity for civilians to bear arms, following a distressing incident that unfolded on Friday.
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers targeted a GUO Motors bus travelling from Lagos State in the south-west of Nigeria to the south-east.
Tragically, they hijacked the vehicle, leading to the abduction of all passengers onboard.
Heartbreakingly, the driver of the bus lost his life in the attack, leaving behind a young girl who was spared by the assailants after kidnapping her parents and fellow travellers.
Nwoko, who has long advocated for legislation permitting civilians to own and carry firearms, took to his X platform to emphasise the urgent need for self-defence laws in response to this chilling event.
He stressed that arming law-abiding citizens would provide a crucial deterrent against such heinous crimes, potentially altering the outcome of such dangerous situations.
He tweeted, “This was reported to have happened to GUO yesterday. They killed the driver, left the small girl there, and kidnapped all the passengers.
“This is the reason for the law on self-defence. If the driver had a gun or any of the passengers, the kidnappers wouldn’t certainly have their way.
“The only thing they have that good and law-abiding citizens don’t have are guns.
“The passengers might never be rescued, and just imagine the poor little girl who will be traumatised for life.
Nigerians React
Nigerians have responded passionately to Senator Ned Nwoko’s advocacy for civilian gun rights.
On Twitter, @holardamolar expressed scepticism, stating,
“We need a working government NOT GUNS. How do you not see it? Giving guns to the current Nigerians will only worsen the situation, death rate will skyrocket I promise you.”
@Vibenchill_ echoed this sentiment, alleging,
Meanwhile, @lord_OboteAyo suggested an alternative approach, advocating for improved security infrastructure:
“I would rather suggest that the entire security architecture is improved instead of private individuals having guns. Local vigilantes can be formed and armed or still a local police established. We should learn from US, please.”
Others, like @deuptowntrading, voiced concerns about the potential escalation of violence.
“Senator, A country where, small anger leads to chaos, e.g road rage, some people committing crime at will and you want to legalize firearms, you want to encourage more armed chaos? What happened to better security? You wan dey trade arms?”
On the contrary, @cevizor supported the idea of self-defence legislation, arguing,
“I agree 100% with the Law on self-defence. Criminals should not have a monopoly on violence. Law-abiding citizens need to bear arms to protect and defend themselves.”
However, @LaceVine cautioned against overlooking the risks associated with increased firearm accessibility:
Sir this is not America. This is a poverty capital. The law abiding citizens will become criminals if they have weapons. Take the policemen on the highways for example. The ones who are to enforce law and order. Now imagine the ones who are not to enforce law and order wielding fire arms.
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