ICYMI: Senate seeks stiffer penalty for bearers of illegal firearms

A bill seeking to impose stiffer penalties on those bearing illegal firearms has passed second reading at the senate.

The bill entitled firearms act CAP F28 LFN 2004 (amendment) bill 2021 is being sponsored by Uba Sani, senator representing Kaduna central.

While moving the motion on Tuesday, Sani said firearms illegally imported into the country should be destroyed.

“Had such weapons escaped the eagle eyes of our custom officers and found their way into our communities that are in the grip of murderous elements, we would have had a clearly unmanageable insecurity situation,” the Kaduna senator said.

“To proffer an effective, coordinated and sustained legislative strategy to address the underlying factors encouraging the circulation of arms and concurrently block the outlets through which illicit firearms are proliferated.

“To take proactive measures in stopping easy access to and re-circulation of illegal arms in our communities.”

On his part, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said there is a need to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms as this would make the country safe.

The bill passed second reading after it was put to a voice vote by Lawan.

The bill was referred to the committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters for further legislative action.