By Precious Oham
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has cautioned blacksmiths in the country to desist from fabricating guns.
The South West Coordinator of the Centre, Ben Sola Akinlade, made this known on Tuesday at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Arms.
According to him, the activities of the blacksmiths in production of small arms in the country has increased the proliferation of illegal firearms adding that if there are minimal access to weapons, there will be less crime in the society.
Speaking further, he said that the centre has mapped out plans to sensitize the public at the grassroots to eliminate the possession of illegal firearms noting that the centre in the zone is committed to end the proliferation of illegal firearms through awareness and sensitization.
He called on the state government and other relevant stakeholders to join forces with the centre to ensure that residents of the state are informed on the dangers associated with the possession of illegal firearms.
His words: “The South West Zonal Office of NCCSALW poises to sustain collaboration and synergize with other stakeholders and action security agencies in identifying, profiling, arrest and prosecute arms traffickers as well as those with illicit possession of arms and ammunition within the zone.
“With co-operation from all relevant stakeholders, violent cirmes, if not totally eradicated could be reduced to the bearest minimum. Remember the slogan, “If You See Something, Say Something.”
“Therefore, report all illegal possession of arms and ammunition to the nearest security agency or directly to the personnel of office of NCCSALW.”