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Guns: Interesting, Common Firearms Used by Man
Guns: Interesting, Common Firearms Used by Man
By: Balami Lazarus
During the nationwide protest, I kept myself busy with the book I am writing, having left it laying fallow for some time. And at times I will go out and sit nearby with some young men, listening to their wild discussions and arguments, and from time to time they will ask for my opinion, which I sincerely give out to encourage them along. One of these days, the young boys brought up the issue of guns, which caught my interest with rapt attention.
Writing about guns for me is like walking down the lane of cowboy history. Therefore, not much has been written on guns as firearms apart from what war historians were able to churn out. Guns have never interested many people, likely because of what they heard about them. Just like snakes, where more lies were heaped on them.
Whenever and wherever I tell people that one of the human inventions that I like and that fascinate me are guns, Immediately from their minds, I sensed their thought of you as either a suspect or a criminal. My interest in guns as a young boy gave me the idea to aspire to be a licensed arm dealer, but long ago the ambition was gone like smoke in the air.
Guns and their ammunition fascinate me, and it also baffles me to this day. Its mechanism is superb. Speed and the killing firepower, especially the handguns, leave one wondering. Our days of social entertainment were in cinemas and other places that were for my contemporaries.
The western movies of the old wild west (cowboys films) must have influenced my love for guns. Late Mallam. Soro, our age-long neighbor who was a professional hunter, also fired my love for guns. Funny enough, I never had one, having made several unsuccessful attempts to acquire one apart from the toys and guns I had as a kid. It might interest you to also know that everyone of us out there has one interest or the other in one invention or the other. You, as the reader of this piece, will search for yourself and say yes to this.
Little is known of guns by most people apart from hunters who were considered to be the earliest users of these firearms according to gun historians. Officers and men of the armed forces and police are known to have guns. While some other law enforcement agents are included in the use of guns for lawful purposes, but ask some of these men about what they know about guns. I believe you will not be satisfied with what they might tell you. Worst of these is the impression people generally have of guns as a killing machine only.
But I tell you hereinafter that guns are not meant to be used for killings only in a peaceful human environment but for protection and a show of strength. Guns give the holder confidence, courage, and guts because they scare men and audit their motives, putting a halt to their bad intentions. Cowboys historians once said that cattle ranches were no go areas for cattle rustlers for the fear of Winchester; its effective firepower and accurate peep-sight for long-range targets are record-breaking.
Winchester (1873), used by ranchers, was believed to be in every cattle rancher’s collection. It was the old version of the most powerful modern telescopic rifles ever used in the old Wild West. While we take a break from the fascination with guns, Let us connect with the mechanisms in the system of simple handguns and other firearms. Guns are based on physics principles but less on chemistry.
For the chemistry, it lies in the chemical combinations of its ammunition, and those who know better will agree with me. Guns are therefore weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Handguns are made in parts: the nuzzle, trigger, hammer, handle, and others, all assembled into one powerful, strong firearm.
Balami, a Publisher/Columnist: 08036779290
Guns: Interesting, Common Firearms Used by Man
News
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.
Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.
According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.

Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.
Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
News
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
By: Yahqya Wakili
The immediate past secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, today paid a condolence visit to Senator Musa Mustapha, senator representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, following the death of his mother-in-law, the late Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by his press secretary, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.
During the visit, the former secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali mni, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
He urged the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, noting that death is inevitable and a path that every mortal must take.
Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin passed away yesterday, Thursday, 16th April 2026, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic injunction.
Baba Malam Wali further prayed to Almighty Allah SWT to forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Fatima, have mercy on her, and grant her Al-Jannatul Fiddausi as her final abode.
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
News
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.
The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.
Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.
Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
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