Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Calls On FG To License Firearms Amid Rising Insecurity

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, has urged the Federal Government to consider allowing citizens to own firearms if it cannot guarantee their safety.

Speaking on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Rhodes-Vivour highlighted the surge in kidnappings and general insecurity across the country.

“This is not just about the north. Over the weekend, we witnessed abductions in Kwara and Ogun States. The breakdown of institutions and loss of public trust make people lose faith in the government,” he said.

He added, “I am raising this because of the government’s failure. If it cannot act decisively, then it should start considering licensing firearms for citizens.”

Rhodes-Vivour warned that repeated lapses in security could force Nigerians to take matters into their own hands and cautioned that short-term government responses would not stop people from seeking long-term self-protection.

He described leaving citizens defenseless amid escalating threats as “wickedness,” emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect its people.