Ohanaeze faults IGP order on withdrawal of arms

AN apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has faulted the order by the Inspector General of Police, Idris Musa, that people, including vigilante groups, should surrender their arms, saying it will worsen security situation in the country.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who spoke in Enugu on Thursday, averred that to obey the Inspector General’s order would be an invitation to anarchy and a worsening of the security situation where herdsmen killers, armed robbers, kidnappers and other purveyors of death and crime would have a field day in the country.

Chief Nwodo stated that the South East states, especially Anambra and Enugu, had, through their vigilante groups, working in conjunction with other government security outfits and town unions, succeeded in reducing crime to the barest minimum and the people were enjoying relative peace and security.

He cited Enugu State where the governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had, through deft management of the security apparatus in the state, handled the herders/farmers clash and made it one of the most peaceful states in the country.

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The President General said that disarming vigilante groups in such a state would tantamount to reversing the security gains in it, especially with the rampaging herdsmen still terrorising many parts of the country.

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The Igbo Leader wondered how the Inspector-General would single-handedly put aside by fiat a state statute that empowers individuals and groups to own arms through licensing even when their licences were yet to expire.

He therefore called on the Inspector General to rescind his order in the interest, protection and safety of the people.