Osun
An Osun-based Islamic cleric, Imam Olorunlomerue, has urged politicians who allegedly distributed firearms to political thugs during elections to retrieve the weapons before they are used to commit crimes.
The cleric made the call while speaking on the security situation in the country, warning that the guns could be turned against members of the public and the politicians who allegedly provided them.
Olorunlomerue said the proliferation of firearms in the hands of political thugs posed a serious security risk, particularly after elections.
He warned that some of the weapons could be used to terrorise politicians who initially made them available to their supporters.
The cleric recalled an encounter in which he saw a person in his neighbourhood carrying a firearm that appeared more sophisticated than those commonly seen with police officers.
He urged politicians to begin efforts to recover the firearms they allegedly gave to thugs, noting that they might not be able to retrieve all the weapons.
Olorunlomerue also expressed concern about the handling and circulation of firearms in the country, including among some security personnel.
He particularly cautioned against allowing people who use illicit substances to handle firearms, saying their actions could become unpredictable and endanger other people.
The cleric therefore appealed to politicians to recover all firearms allegedly distributed during elections before they fall into the wrong hands.
(Leadership)
