FG Should Allow Amotekun To Carry AK-47 – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the Federal government to allow Western Nigeria Security Network popularly known as Amotekun corps to carry AK-47 and other sophisticated weapons.

The governor said this would make them to be more effective in providing security for the people in their areas of operations.

The governor, who was represented by his Attorney General, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN), said this on Tuesday at the 2021 Law Week of the Nigeria Bar Association, Ibadan.

He said Amotekun has been very effective in providing security in the state but said they would be much more effective if they were allow to carry the same type of weapons the criminals who they engage in gunduels carry.

Makinde said, ” With  the recent experience in Oyo State it has become necessary to call upon the Federal Government to recognise the need to upgrade the capacity of Amotekun in providing security.

“In Oyo State, Amotekun has become the  first responder and this was demonstrated during the jailbreak in Oyo town where Amotekun suffered loss of lives because there was a disparity between the firepower of the Amotekun and the criminals.

“The South West Governors have resolved to call upon the Federal Government to allow for the increase capacity so that there can be meaningful role being played by Amotekun in provision of security. 

“The era of facing criminals bearing AK47 and other weapons with sakabula ( Dane gun) and Pump Action is in modern time a ridiculous error. 

“Therefore, Amotekun must be allowed to play the role that it can provide security because as of today the presence of Amotekun in all areas of Oyo State has brought about improved security that is being enjoyed.”

The keynote speaker at the event, Chief Joe Gadzama (SAN) said the Constitution required a reveiw to allow for the creation of state police which many had clamoured for.

He said “The problematic interplay of ethnicity, religion, and politics will continue to fuel ethnic militancy and religious movements. Since the 1980s, militancy and religious extremism have been a significant threat to this country, and there appears to be no end in sight.

“It is crucial to stress that religious, ethnic, and cultural variety do not always lead to violence; but, given the level of animosity, fear, and prejudice caused by these factors, it is believed that the law will not be able to address the issues on its own. The law’s provisions mean little or nothing to those responsible for enforcing compliance, and when laws are broken at will without consequence, there is a problem.”