Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with Federal Government agencies in tackling the spread of small arms and light weapons across the country.
The Governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the South East Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Captain Chris Anusiem, and his team at Government House.
Highlighting the dangers associated with arms proliferation, Otti stressed that criminality in the country was largely tied to the use of such weapons.
“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,” he stated.
He noted that his government was already partnering with security agencies to prevent criminals displaced from nearby states from regrouping in Abia.
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Governor Otti applauded the Federal Government for establishing the centre and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing his long-time associate, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kukum, as Director General.
He added that he was optimistic about Kukum’s performance in the role.
Earlier in his remarks, Captain Anusiem explained that his visit was part of his familiarisation tour, following his posting to Enugu to oversee the South East Zonal office.
He commended Governor Otti for sustaining peace and stability in Abia, while stressing that the agency’s ultimate goal was to create an environment free of illicit weapons.