Otti promises to work with FG to curb light arms proliferation

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has restated his commitment towards continuing to work with the relevant federal agencies to reduce the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

Otti, who stated this while receiving in audience a delegation of the new South East Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons led by Captain Chris Anusiem, regretted that almost all crimes committed in the country are with small arms and light weapons, hence the need to reduce if not eliminate them.

“I want to assure you that the Abia State Government and the people will cooperate with you and work with you to ensure that you succeed in your assignment.

“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 to the barest minimum, then we cannot have peace.”

Otti thanked the federal government for setting up the centre and President Tinubu for appointing DIG Johnson Babatunde Kukum as director general of the national centre.

Captain Anusiem had earlier told the Governor he was in the state on a familiarisation visit, having assumed office recently in Enugu to head the South East Zonal office.

He assured Governor Otti of the collaboration of his office to keep the state safe from crimes.