NW Governor Bans Sale, Possession of Firearms

By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda

Governor lele L’Afrique has banned the sale and use of firearms in the NW region

The governor of the northwest region, Governor Adolf lele L’Afrique has issued a ban on the sale and purchase of arms across the northwest region. This is the content of an administrative order signed February 1, 2017.

                “Following the recent socio-political crisis and the prevailing insecurity situation coupled with the numerous attacks and threats, the sale and purchase of ammunitions is suspended for a period of six months renewable throughout the northwest region. All persons keeping hunting guns are requested to hand them over to the nearest administrative authority who will acknowledge receipt. Part of the order reads.

                According to the order, the decision takes effect from the date of signature and will last for six months renewable. Contraveners shall be liable to sanctions as law enforcement officers shall be carrying out regular controls.

                This measure has been greeted with mixed feelings across the region. Although the move is understood to be backed by security imperatives, it is feared that it will have negative socio-economic effects to a region that is renowned for using guns for traditional celebrations and even hunting activities.

                According to Peter Tanwie, resident of Nkwen, while talking to The Median regretted that the move will negatively affect their tradition.

                “How can the governor ask us to go and submit our guns. We use guns at funerals. We fire these guns to awaken the ancestors to welcome one of us each time he or she is journeying to the world beyond. I am not comfortable with this idea at all. We keep guns here as men as a show of manhood. What will the governor expects us to do when somebody dies now?” Peter Retorted.

                To Mary Tebi, the governor should have started by shutting down the gun shop at city chemist round abuot. “The gun shop Belibi is still open now as we speak. Does it mean that assailants can’t buy the guns or only private guns are dangerous? We should lead with examples “she said.

                Joshua Kum says the call for guns is governments mapped out strategy to deprive many a hunter from his source of livelihood.

                “The hunting gun remains the basic tool of a hunter’s. I think the governor should have used a better way to control the guns than to call for them. To me, i see a situation where the governor and his administration indirectly wants to legalised the brutal soldiers to break into homes in the name of search for guns” Joshua said.