GUN VIOLENCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN NIGERIA: A CASE FOR ADEQUATE GUN REGULATION AND RELATED VICTIM’S PROTECTION

Abstract

Nigeria is currently facing serious security challenge as a result of heavy influx of arms. No part of the country is safe with sophisticated guns in the hands of criminals. The situation reflects in the arm conflicts in the northeast, herdsmen killings across the nation, militancy in the Niger Delta, an increase in armed robbery, kidnappings, ritual killings, etc. Recently, there were moves by the House of Representatives to tighten gun control laws in the country but not much has been done, thereafter. Gun violence violates many fundamental human rights of the citizens. As if this is not bad enough, victims of gun shots in Nigeria are denied treatment in hospitals until they can produce police report. This has resulted in preventable deaths. Even with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Gunshot Victims Act of 2017, the age long discrimination against victims of gunshot has not changed. This has led this researcher to conclude, amidst other things, that Nigeria needs adequate gun control measures to stop illegal importation of arms. It is recommending that Government must march the law with some advocacy and the bar, bench and police should be enlightened on the laws against arms control and the treatment of gun victims.