Ondo Attack: CAN Calls For Legalisation Of Firearms

Following the terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State last Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to enact a law permitting individuals to carry firearms.
The association also asked its members to suspend vigil programmes for the time being.
The Ondo State chapter of CAN made the call in a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa; Secretary, Evang. Amos Olomofe; and the Director of Information and Communications of the association, Mr Daisi Ajayi.
The body said, “The present Nigeria Constitution, which prohibits the use of firearms, should be reviewed, to give room for individuals for self-defence, given the prevailing insecurity situation in the country”.
CAN also said it would support the setting up of vigilance groups in every local government area of the state.
Also, the Chairman of the association in Osun State, Bishop Amos Ogunrinde, said churches had been instructed to engage the services of at least two security operatives per church.
He also said churches that could afford it should buy body scanners, ensuring that people were properly searched.
Ogunrinde said churches with perimeter fences should ensure that entrances were locked immediately service commenced.
In his response to Owo attack, the Ekiti State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Fr Peter Olowolafe, said, “We have had a discussion with some of our security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services and they have assured us that there is no need for panic.
“I trust them; they said we should not create unnecessary fear for people. We have discussed with our members that people should be more security conscious and that church leaders should get some security personnel so that there will not be any situation like what happened at Owo last week”.
He advised church leaders in Ekiti and neighbouring states to beef up security in worship centres.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr Israel Akanji, has called on the government to provide adequate security for places of worship all over the country.
In a statement condemning the Owo incident, Akanji said, “The Federal and state governments should also ensure better security provision for all places of worship in the country”.
At least, 40 people were confirmed dead and many others sustaining injuries in the gruesome attack by gunmen in Owo, last Sunday.
The tragic incident occurred, no open religious programme has been held in Owo and Akure.
The Ondo State Government also cancelled this year’s Democracy Day activities in the state as a mark of respect for those who died in the terror attack.