NYSC Small Arms Group Teams Up with SEMA to Fight Weapon Proliferation in Damaturu IDP Camps

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Small Arms and Light Weapons Community Development Service (CDS) group, in partnership with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), conducted an awareness campaign on Monday at the Abujan Mai Mala IDP camp and the Mohammad Gombe farm community.

The event focused on small arms proliferation,hygiene, and food support for internally displaced persons under the theme "Promoting Health and Peace in Our Communities."

Maj. Gen.Abubakar Adamu (rtd), North East Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), represented by the Assistant Director of Strategic Communication and Information, urged IDP communities to maintain love for the nation despite any harm suffered.

He stated, "We are here to tackle the issue of unlawful weaponry so we can achieve a safer, calmer Nigeria."

Team leader of the CDS group,Bulus Seth Kazachat explained that the group’s objectives are to educate displaced communities on the dangers of small arms, promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and provide essential resources.

He said, "Our expectation is that after sensitizing them on the risks, they will report any suspicious activity. If they see anyone wielding unlawful weapons, they should notify the proper authorities. 

"We are also striving to improve their situation, but we cannot do it alone with state aid. Thankfully, YOSEMA is supporting these efforts, but we are appealing to the authorities for more assistance," said the CDS group leader.

One of the CDS group members,Miracle Ephraim noted that the group was formed in response to the widespread proliferation of small arms.

"Our aim is to assess how we, alongside other security personnel, can stop the illegal influx of weapons into Nigeria. The harm guns and light arms have inflicted on the land is evident. That is why we are here in this IDP camp, among victims of these weapon attacks, to educate and empower them to defend themselves using their rights," said Ephraim.

She urged displaced persons not to be paralyzed by fear, saying they should not let the fear of gun violence overwhelm them.