Do people abuse their right to carry guns?

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19 Dec 2022
14

Gun violence is a contemporary global human rights issue. Gun-related violence threatens our most fundamental human right, the right to life.
Gun violence is a daily tragedy affecting the lives of individuals around the world. More than 500 people die every day because of violence committed with firearms.
Anyone can be affected by firearm violence but in certain situations gun violence disproportionately impacts communities of colour, women and other marginalized groups in society.
Sometimes, the mere presence of firearms can make people feel threatened and fearful for their lives with severe and long-term psychological effects on individuals and whole communities.
When people are afraid of gun violence, this can also have a negative impact on people’s right to education or health care when they are too afraid to attend schools or health facilities or if these services are not fully functioning due to firearm violence in their community. 

One of the cardinal responsibilities of government is the safeguard of lives and properties, provided under Section14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. So paramount is this responsibility that the entire economic, social and political progress of any society depends on it.
Nigeria for the past decade has witnessed unprecedented amount of bloodshed, destruction of properties and displacement of people from their native homes and places of business. The level of insecurity today is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. Few states or geographical location in Nigeria which have witnessed enormous insecurity lately, which could be ethnic, religious and land motivated killings are Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Ebonyi, Enugu, Southern Kaduna, Enugu, Asaba, Anambra and Nasarawa
Insecurity has raised serious questions about the preparedness and efficiency of all law enforcement agencies in tackling crime, in addition to this concern is a paramount question “Should responsible citizens bear arms for the safety of their lives, families and community?”

To answer this question, it is imperative to explore the underlining principles of self-defence or private defence, as many would call it. Historically Africans and the nations in Nigeria before western colonialism allowed individuals to bear arms, be it farming or hunting tools or war weapons. This could be found mostly on male members of the community who belong to age grades. Also, male age grades in communities had access to sophisticated tools or components for manufacturing weapons within their community, which could be used for self-defence or tribal wars.
Historically, some towns or states in Nigeria were known for the local manufacture of guns, one of those natives are the ancient Awka people in the present-day Anambra State. The Blacksmiths in Awka at the time did excellent hand-made guns for wars, protection and as status symbol for young men in their various age grade groups. In the Western hemisphere, particularly America, the second amendment to the United States Constitution documented this principle. It provides thus, “A well-regulated militia being necessary for the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”. 

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