Reps caution security agents against shooting in public

The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces and all other relevant security agencies to desist from shooting in public and social gatherings to avoid accidental discharge.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the urgent need to address recurrent incidences termed “accidental discharge” under matter of urgent national importance co- sponsored by Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Deputy Chief Whip), Ozunigbo Ugonna (APC, Imo) and Princess Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo).

The lawmakers condemned the incidences of accidental discharges, wrongful use of fire-arms, noting that the arms are supposed to be used for the purpose of protecting lives and property.

Onyejeocha, who said that if the use of fire-arms was not addressed, more lives would be wasted and Nigerians would lose faith in the ability of law enforcement agents to handle ammunition, recalled that on January 26, 2020, Ndubuisi Emenike of Ehime Mbano, Imo State, was killed by a personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in what was attributed to “accidental discharge” during a political party victory.

The House, however, mandated the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate and bring to justice culprits in the killing of Emenike and the other killings attributed to wrongful use of fire-arms by security agents.

It also mandated the House Committee on Police Affairs, Interior and other relevant committees to invite the IGP, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, Commandant-General of the NSCDC and other stakeholders to brief the House on measures being taken to ensure that incidences are forestalled and culprits face the weight of the law.