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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
Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has firmly dismissed rumours circulating that he has anointed individuals for executive positions in the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) party congresses.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the Governor described the claims as the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to cause disaffection within the party.
Governor Zulum emphasised that he has not in any fora endorsed any candidate for any party position, whether in Gwoza Local Government Area or any of the state’s 27 local government areas.
“Let me categorically state that I have not anointed any person for the position of Chairman or Secretary of APC in Gwoza local government in the forthcoming party congress. I wish to also stress that I have not anointed any person for any position in the APC congress in any of the 27 local government areas,” Governor Zulum stated.
He further called on party members to disregard the false information, saying, “I am calling on our party faithful and supporters to disregard the rumour as it is a calculated attempt to create disaffection and derail the party from its trajectory.”
The Governor instead urged party stakeholders to continue constructive consultations aimed at identifying credible candidates to be fielded for all party positions.
Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress
VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamady Doumbouya.
The Vice President was received by senior Guinean government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps ahead of the official ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium in Nongo.
The inauguration of President Doumbouya follows his victory in the December 2025 general elections, signalling the formal end of a four-year military transition.
The Vice President’s attendance at the inauguration affirms Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its commitment to the restoration of constitutional order across the sub-region.
Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Nigeria has continued to position itself as a stabilising force, advocating for democratic governance as a prerequisite for regional prosperity.
The visit also serves as a strategic mission to expand the economic corridor between the two West African nations.
VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
At least seven persons were killed and three others abducted when armed bandits attacked Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the early hours of Thursday.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 4:00 a.m. in the village, which lies close to the Niger Republic border and has no mobile phone network coverage.
The bandits, who were said to be in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
During the attack, seven persons were shot dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. Three villagers were also kidnapped, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.
Joint security forces were immediately deployed to the area after the incident was reported. On arrival, they evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.
Troops have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims, recovering the rustled livestock and arresting those responsible.
Confidence-building patrols are currently ongoing in and around Kyara village to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress
VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration
MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe
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