Following the incessant attacks by Boko Haram and the capture of Damboa, Gwoza and recently Ngamboru Ngala and Bank area by the insurgents, residents of Maiduguri now carry locally-made guns freely to protect themselves.
Maiduguri was once a peaceful city, but due to the raging insurgency, which has led to the displacement of thousands from rural communities to Maiduguri the Borno State capital, youths are now seen openly displaying locally-made firearms.
It was gathered that the creation of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), a vigilante group, comprising of young men, who volunteered to protect communities, had further compounded the matter, as they were seen all over the city, carrying locally-made guns.
According to them, they need to protect their lives and it had
become necessary to be fully armed at all times because the Boko Haram members were too deadly to be taken for granted.
Community leader, Mohammed Ali, who was also seen also carrying gun, said it became necessary given the situation the people found themselves.
When asked how he got his gun, he said "we reached an agreement to purchase these guns and we ordered for them from Damboa. I bought this gun for N8,000.
"The government promised to provide each of us with one, but we have to undergo screening before they make the final selection to ascertain those of us with unquestionable character to give it to," he explained.
It was also gathered that these brave young men had been able to maintain peace and normalcy within the city of Maiduguri for sometime now.
Note: The above photo is for illustration. It is not the real photo of Maiduguri residents carrying dane gun.
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