A man identified as Offei Wilson from Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State has explained that he decided to use a locally made pistol to obtain money after his foodstuff ran out and his phone was stolen.

Man Explains Why He Carried Gun

Wilson, who said he is learning aluminium work in Calabar, claimed he initially acquired the pistol for personal protection and never intended to shoot anyone.

He said his decision to carry the weapon while looking for money came after he was left without food and could no longer contact his family for financial assistance.

“First of all, I bought it for my own safety,” Wilson said, explaining that he intended to use the weapon mainly to intimidate anyone who might threaten him.

How He Approached Residents

Wilson admitted approaching two people while carrying the locally made pistol. According to him, the first person refused to give him money, but he left without hurting him.

He said another man later gave him money and his phone after he demanded them. However, Wilson claimed he reconsidered and decided to return the phone.

“So I told him to give me his phone, which he did, he gave me his phone. So in the process of going, I turned and said no, that since he has tried to obey me, let me go back and give him his phone,” he said.

Wilson said security personnel apprehended him around 3pm while he was attempting to return the phone.

Weapon Recovered During Arrest

He further disclosed that he initially threw the weapon away when he was apprehended but later retrieved it and handed it over to the security personnel.

Wilson said the ammunition was obtained from Anambra State, while the locally made pistol was produced by an individual whose identity he claimed would be disclosed during the investigation.

He maintained that he did not successfully obtain money through the alleged attempts and did not harm anyone.