By Oluwabukola Odunayo, Ibadan
The Oyo State Police Command in its efforts to reduce crimes to the nearest minimum in the state has warned against proliferation of firearms, just as the command called for submission of illicit small arms and light weapons, while promised heavy sanctions for the defaulters.
The development according to the press release by the state Police Public Relations Officer SP Adewale Osifeso stated that the Oyo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Adebola Hamzat has informed the general public particularly residents of Oyo State, that in alignment with the directives of the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu towards reducing crime to its barest minimum, the Command has perfected plans to consciously tackle the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons within the State through a proper review of firearms licensing and regulations in the interest of public Safety and general security.
SP. Osifeso Adewale through the statement noted that the decision was a deliberate attempt at reducing the wave of undue access to Firearms under categories of “Prohibited and Personal” as so described under the first schedule of the Firearms Act, Chapter F.28 LFN 2004, the general public particularly residents of Oyo State in possession of such Firearms are hereby warned to submit such to the Police at any of its nearest Stations/formations at no cost.
A copy of the statement made available to Naijanewshub reporter in Ibadan the Capital city of Oyo State on Monday stated that this directive also affects all legitimate owners who must submit same for documentation and proper review of the license at their disposal, as there would be an immediate commencement of clampdown on the illegal possessors of Firearms Nationwide.
“While extending the appreciation of the Commissioner of Police for the usual cooperation and support from members of the public, the CP appeals to Parents, guardians, leaders of influence particularly in the trado-religious, educational and Political sphere to report all suspicious firearms related activities to the Police for prompt response and action.
“In case of emergency, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 0705549513 and 08081768614 with 615 (toll free) for the Oyo State Security Trust Fund.”