Ortom to submit firearms licence application for state security outfit to Buhari

Samuel Ortom, the governor of Benue State, has announced that he will formally submit an application to President Muhammadu Buhari this week asking for permission to grant permits to members of the recently formed Benue State Community Volunteer Guards to purchase AK-47 and AK-49 rifles.

At a reception held on Sunday to celebrate Justice Cosmas Idye’s 35th wedding anniversary, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, the Governor announced as much.
He claimed that by establishing the security company, the state government did not violate the Federal Republic’s Constitution and had the right to enact legislation creating the company.
The community volunteer guards were established by state law, according to Ortom, in order to support traditional security firms in their efforts to combat crime.

“As long as we make laws that are not in conflict with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we are right in establishing the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards.

“This week, we are going to submit forward a letter to President Buhari for approval to get licence for AK-47 and AK-49 for our security outfit. And we hope to get a favourable consideration from the President”, the governor stated.