Buhari orders arrest, prosecution of illegal arms bearers

President Muhumaadu Buhari has ordered arrest and prosecution of all illegal arms bearers in the country irrespective of their ethnic affiliation.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Tuesday disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme monitored by our reporter.

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Daily Trust had exclusively reported on Sunday that proliferation of arms was fuelling insecurity across the country.

Adesina said the president has zero tolerance for criminal elements and would not harbour anyone found wanting by security agencies.

“The president has always held the stance that anyone seen carrying a gun unlawfully should be arrested and tried regardless of where he comes from,” he said.

On the efforts of the Presidency towards bringing an end to the herdsmen’s crisis, Adesina said: “Some positions have been canvassed on settling this issue, the president has spoken about it. The old cattle routes we know have been taken over by civilization. So, it means we will have to look into ranching.

“Governor Ortom, in the past, had said that ranching is the way out of the crisis, but suddenly, he turned around that there is no land for it. Another alternative was the RUGA settlement, but people came out to say that there is no land for it. Now, some are saying that cattle rearing is a private business so the government must not be involved in it.

“That brings the question: Are we interested in settling these issues permanently to the good of all the sides? That is something we must consider.”