Lagos to Mop-up Illegal Arms

Emmanuel Thomas

May 25, 2015 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola says it has concluded plans to fix a particular date for youths and anyone in possession of illegal arms and ammunition to voluntarily hand it over to the nearest police station or face the consequences.

Fashola disclosed this at a workshop on law and order and the handing over of 200 specialized patrol vehicles for officials of the Lagos State Traffic management Authority, (LASTMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline, (KAI) to enforce relevant laws in the state.

The governor lamented that arms proliferation in the country has increased involvement of youths in cultism and other illicit acts.

“This is a matter that we have deliberated on extensively at the (monthly) security meeting. I believe that the commissioner of police remain committed to this. So, I am not saying this lightly.

“And after I make this announcement, he will work with all the security officials and evolve a process that will aid the smooth handover (of arms and ammunitions). In the next few weeks, we will give a window of opportunity where everyone who is in possession arms and ammunition illegally will voluntarily go and drop it.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal the youths to surrender their weapons and guns voluntarily to the nearest police station,” he added.

Fashola said no one will be prosecuted so long as it is done within that period. “We need to clean our city and state of small arms. After that period, the law will take its stand.”

He noted that continuous possession and intake of drugs could completely destroy their minds and lead to untimely death adding that Nigeria needs them alive especially to use their energy to proper the country.

“I think that that this is a season of great hope and change. I use this opportunity to appeal to them to break up those gangs and form themselves into entrepreneurship cooperatives societies. They can only approach the government through this. And with this, they will be respected citizens of this country,” the governor said.