Benjamin Chukwudi Okoko, the former head of the Nigerian Bar Association in Idemili, has formally requested that the federal authorities loosen restrictions on firearm possession. He believes that allowing law-abiding citizens to carry weapons would provide a necessary defense against criminal gangs, gunmen, and violent herdsmen.
Beyond the issue of personal protection, Okoko highlighted the growing frustration surrounding security checkpoints throughout the South-East region. He noted that agencies including the police, military, Customs Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC have established numerous roadblocks that now frequently serve as sites for extorting motorists rather than ensuring safety.
According to the former chairman, these checkpoints, which originally emerged following the civil war to monitor separatist activity, have drifted away from their intended purpose. He argued that the current frequency of stops—especially the redundant inspections of goods already cleared at ports—unnecessarily disrupts trade, increases transportation costs, and creates significant delays for travelers. Okoko urged the government to improve oversight of these personnel to ensure that operations on public roads prioritize genuine safety over illicit financial gain.
