Owo: Mixed Reactions Trail CAN’s Call For Legalization Of Firearms

Mixed reactions have followed the call by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN for the legalisation of firearms in the country following the bloody attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State last Sunday.

According to reports the Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to review a law permitting individuals to carry firearms for self defense.

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Recall that at least 40 people were confirmed dead in the gruesome attack unleashed by unknown gunmen in Owo, last Sunday.

The Ondo State chapter of CAN has urged  church leaders in Ekiti and neighbouring states to ensure maximum security in their various places of worship.

The association, in a statement also directed its members to suspend vigil programmes for the time being.

According to the statement which was made available to Sunday PUNCH and signed by the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, Secretary, Very Evang. Amos Olomofe, and the Director of Information and Communications of the association, Mr Daisi Ajayi.

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The statement reads: “The present Nigeria Constitution, which prohibits the use of firearms, should be reviewed, to give room for individuals for self-defence, given the prevailing insecurity situation in the country.”

According to CAN, they would support the setting up of vigilance groups in every local government area of Ondo state.

Also, the Chairman of the association in Osun State, Bishop Amos Ogunrinde, stated that churches are expected to engage the services of at least two security operatives in the church premises.

He further stated that churches that could afford body scanners are advised to do so, ensuring that people were properly checked before entrance.

Ogunrinde said churches with perimeter fences should ensure that entrances were locked immediately service commenced.

Reacting to the CAN suggestion that firearms should be legalized for self defense, social media users said:

@kingsleysimeon4: Good move, let every Nigerian be in possessions of Ak47 it will now depends on the fastest finger.

@sadiqueens: How has gun licence saved America from mass shooting?

While they are calling for gun control you are calling for its deregulation to solve same problem

CAN stopped thinking in 2015 while MURIC stopped in 2011.

Both of them have become comic reliefs

@cho10186878: CAN doesn’t have the technical competency to represent the church in Nigeria. Board of CAN should be sacked immediately! Legislation of firearms without training will make Nigeria become like the US. Sack the board of CAN immediately! CAN learn from Switzerland!

@ajayii11: One cannot blame CAN. If we look at it, this statement is emotional due to the incessant damage being carried out on Christians everytime and nothing is done to punish the perpetrators.

@steam926: And then considering how careless Nigerian laws and its law enforcement agencies are at maintaining order, you’d end up having people who have no business with guns having them in abundance.

Why did they (CAN) suddenly give up on prayers now though?

@mariam4gunners: Ahhhhh legalization of firearms in a country where people are not smiling. In this same country where people are killing each other because of jealousy and hatred☹️. Before some people remember the firearms are meant for terrorists, they would have killed half of their neighbors

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