From Emmanuel Onwusoro, Ado-Ekiti
Reduction of the growing number of small arms and light weapons in the society calls for the cooperation of every stakeholder, says the South-West Zonal Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Sola Akinlade.
He spoke with journalists on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State during an event to mark the International Day for the Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Arms, with the theme –The Need For Public Participation In Arms-Free Society.
Mr. Akinlade noted that what gives some people power to commit certain crimes is the possession of guns, hence the need to mop up the guns and either destroy or profile them to ensure they don’t get back to the society through unpatriotic citizens.
“We seek collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to succeed in the fight against proliferation of small arms and light weapons. With the cooperation of all stakeholders, if the crime is not totally eradicated, it will be reduced to the barest minimum” he said.
He explained that the Centre at the National level has recovered a large number of arms from the Military and the Nigeria Police.
This, according to the zonal head makes it imperative for the media to support the Centre in its advocacy and sensitization drive.
According to the Coordinator, a lot of advocacy and sensitization to mop up a substantial number of the weapons are channelled through the traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media. He said the sensitization is continuous. The Agency also interacts with different elements involved in the proliferation of the weapons to ensure their control.
March 5, every year is the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation awareness aimed at deepening the global public’s understanding on disarmament efforts towards enhancing peace and security, preventing and ending armed conflict.
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