Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured of his administration’s commitment to working closely with relevant Federal Government agencies to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.
The Governor gave the assurance when he received the South East Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Captain Chris Anusiem, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to Government House, Umuahia.
Governor Otti stressed that insecurity is largely driven by the illegal circulation of small arms and light weapons, adding that peace and stability would remain elusive unless the menace is reduced to the barest minimum.
“Virtually all the crimes you see around are committed with light weapons and small arms. If we don’t eliminate them, or at least reduce them, then we cannot have peace. I want to assure you that the Abia State Government and the people will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in your assignment,” Otti said.
The Governor highlighted security as central to his administration’s development agenda, noting that collaboration among agencies, states, and communities is key. He explained that regular security council meetings are held in the state to share strategies and curb criminal activities.
“We are also working with sister states to ensure that criminals do not commit a crime here and escape to neighbouring states where they find refuge,” he added.
Governor Otti commended the Federal Government for establishing the centre and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing DIG Johnson Babatunde Kukum as Director General of the agency, describing him as a capable hand.
Earlier, Captain Anusiem explained that his visit was part of a familiarisation tour following his posting to Enugu to head the South East Zonal office. He assured the Governor of the agency’s readiness to collaborate with Abia State in building a safer society.
“The vision of the centre is to promote an illicit arms-free society. Here in the Sahel and across our region, the problem is small arms in the hands of non-state actors. It will take collective effort to address this menace,” he said, while commending Governor Otti for his strides in maintaining peace in Abia.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), and other top government officials were present during the meeting.
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