Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has put forth a controversial proposal aimed at allowing Nigerian citizens to bear arms for self-defense. In an interview with Channels TV, he asserted that such legislation could act as a deterrent to criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.

When asked whether allowing citizens to carry firearms would effectively address the nation’s security issues, Nwoko responded emphatically, “Oh, it will. It will.”

The senator shared a personal account of tragedy, recounting the kidnapping and murder of his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) last November. He described a harrowing incident in which kidnappers targeted his estate, going from house to house. “When they got to their door, my SLA told his wife to hide with the children. He opened the door to talk to them, and he was taken away. We never saw him alive again,” Nwoko recalled.

Reflecting on this heartbreaking experience, Nwoko argued that equipping citizens with firearms could dissuade criminals from carrying out such attacks. “If he had a gun, or if others in the community had guns, would the kidnappers have had the audacity to go door to door? That wouldn’t happen,” he asserted.

Despite his strong advocacy for armed self-defense, Nwoko emphasized that his proposal would include stringent regulations to ensure responsible firearm ownership.